GambleAware report highlights risks in gambling products and calls for stricter regulation  

A new report commissioned by GambleAware has revealed significant risks of harm associated with certain gambling products, including land-based electronic gaming machines, online casino games and loot boxes. The findings come as the charity questions the adequacy of measures outlined in the UK Government's Gambling White Paper.   

casino risk
Listen To Article

Key points:  

- Electronic gaming machines and online casino games are associated with the highest risk of harm

- Loot boxes, often used by under-18s, pose significant gambling risks and blur the line between gaming and gambling

- GambleAware recommends stricter regulations, including lower stakes, mandatory breaks and enhanced safeguards for online gambling 

GambleAware’s report, produced in collaboration with Bournemouth University, examines the varying risks posed by different gambling products. 

The research found that users of land-based electronic gaming machines, such as those in bookmakers and casinos, were over ten times more likely than average to experience gambling-related harm. Online casino games, offering quick rewards and fast-paced play, were linked to a fourfold increase in the likelihood of harm.  

Loot boxes, a feature in many video games, were identified as a particular concern due to their accessibility and appeal to younger audiences. The report found that 50% of loot box users were at some level of risk, with many exhibiting behaviours consistent with problem gambling. 

The charity has called for more stringent restrictions on loot boxes, including limiting their availability to individuals over 18.  

Good to know: GambleAware has recommended the National Lottery improve its player safeguards and provide clearer links to support services for those at risk

The research also highlighted the National Lottery’s widespread impact, noting that 600,000 people experiencing problem gambling had participated in the draw, while 500,000 had used scratch cards. 

The study further emphasised that the number of gambling activities an individual engages in, significantly increases their risk of harm. Those participating in multiple forms of gambling were more likely to experience severe issues, prompting GambleAware to suggest creating shared databases for operators to identify at-risk individuals.  

These findings come as the UK implements a mandatory gambling levy, projected to raise £100m ($123m) annually for harm prevention. However, GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond expressed concerns that current measures in the Gambling White Paper, such as differing online slot stake limits based on age, do not adequately protect consumers. 


Casino News Sponsor
Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Soft2Bet
Scientific Games
Follow Us

Facing Facts: Q3 2024 analysis

Gambling Insider takes a look at the Q3 results of operators...

Taking stock: The final count of 2024

Gambling Insider tracks operator and supplier prices of some...

CEO Special: Flutter CEO Peter Jackson – Playing to win

As the biggest publicly traded operator in gambling meets th...

CEO Special: Holland Casino CEO Petra de Ruiter – High flier

Petra de Ruiter, Holland Casino CEO, speaks to Gambling Insi...

A welcome from your host

A message from the Founder of the Global Gaming Awards and G...

From the event manager

A message from the Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards...

From the Awards adjudicator

KPMG in the Crown Dependencies is the official voting adjudi...

The process

The Global Gaming Awards have deservingly earned the reputat...