BREAKING: UK Government Adjusts Deadline for Online Slots Consultation Amidst Revelations of Flawed Data!

UK – In an unexpected twist, the UK government’s consultation concerning the stake limits for online slots has faced an extension. This decision comes in the wake of the discovery of incorrect data provided in the official consultation document.

Initially, the document stated a problem gambling rate of 1.5% for individuals between the ages of 16 to 24. However, recent insights from Public Health England reveal that this statistic pertains solely to men. When considering the entire age bracket, the problem gambling rate is a notably lower 0.8%.

To address this oversight and to ensure stakeholders have ample opportunity to provide feedback, the government has prudently pushed the consultation deadline by two weeks. Stakeholders now have until October 4 to weigh in on this pivotal issue.

This delay has ignited concerns amongst industry watchers, as many speculate whether the government, in tandem with the Gambling Commission, will manage to wrap up all consultations detailed in the government’s gambling white paper. With the clock ticking and the next general election looming, set to be held no later than January 28, this extended timeline further amplifies these apprehensions.

At the heart of this consultation lies the debate surrounding the maximum stake limit for spins on online slot machines. While a £2 limit is currently in place for land-based fixed-odds betting terminals, the proposal for online slots floats a range between £2 and £15. This suggested cap stems from concerns over the high-risk nature of online slots, known for their association with significant losses and extended gaming sessions.

On a parallel note, the British Gambling Commission is diligently undertaking consultations as detailed in the Gambling White Paper. With four ongoing consultations touching upon pivotal subjects such as online game design, financial risk evaluations, and age verification, the Commission is leaving no stone unturned.

Adding another layer to this intricate narrative, CEO Andrew Rhodes expressed that the consultation on financial risk checks has posed significant challenges. Recent confrontations with media entities and the industry, particularly Racing Post, have seen Rhodes raising concerns over “imbalanced stories” concerning these transformative proposals.