UKGC tightens the rope on responsible gambling measures

The UKGC has commenced a consultation process concerning gambling harm.

Mainstream media are suggesting from reports that the UKGC is looking at introducing a cap on monthly losses, with some suggestions talking about a £100 loss cap could be introduced.

Gamblers’ losses could be capped at £100 a month, to ensure that betting companies are “forced” to help combat gambling addiction.

There will be consultation until January 12th to determine whether this limit is realistic or not. The foundation behind this initiative comes from the impression that the actual upper monthly limits were too high at £2,000 for some companies, effectively surpassing the average of what UK residents make each month.

Over the past year there have been growing calls from a vocal minority, led by the likes of national newspapers such as the Daily Mail and The Guardian, to introduce punitive measures on operators, such as bet stake limits on online casino games.

These latest reports suggesting the idea of forcing operators to police and enforce individual monthly loss limits on players, is yet another idea which could certainly see more operators toss away their coveted UKGC license and leave the regulated UK marketplace.

Responsible gambling has kept providing measures to support affordable gambling is of course an important area which the industry and the regulator in the form of the UKGC needs to address. But by even suggesting introducing loss limits or bet stake limits, does major harm not only to the industry, but to the majority of people that have a handle on their gambling and see it as an adult form of entertainment.

The authorities responsible for monitoring problem gambling in the UK states that over 50% of the country’s population has a “discretionary income” of under 250 monthly. This type of income is basically the amount that remains after one’s basic living costs, taxes and social security charges are deducted.

In addition to this measure, British gamblers may encounter more rules restricting their playing time. The regulation proposed includes a one-hour time limit and players will experience constraints on their bonus winnings after their one-hour playing time.

Do you have a gambling addiction?

There is nothing to be ashamed of if you have an addiction and the most important thing is to admit it and look for help right away since not only you can lose a lot of money you can also get in bigger problems such as debts and your family and friends may get affected.

There are lots of things that you can do when you have an addiction problem including going to meetings, talking to your friends, fathers, priests and other close persons that you may have.

What should you do?

Before joining an online casino you can request that they put some limits on your deposits and your time on it, most of the time you can set the limits yourself, but it is always good to have help with that.

You are not alone, there are many people just like you! You can join communities in both social media and real life of people that are struggling with the same thing, and they support each other.

Search for guides, tutorials, YouTube videos and advices online about what to do with this addiction problem.

Make a budget of the money that are you going to gamble no matter if you win a lot or lose a lot, stick with that budget to the end.

Be strong and keep in mind that you should not gamble money that you can’t afford to lose, we know it is hard but with just a few limits it will mean a lot in the long run.

Don’t hesitate to contact the support team of all the gambling sites that you are a member of to tell them what is happening and of course to request their help.