UK Bookmakers and Casinos Excel in Age Verification Compliance

UK Bookmakers and Casinos Lead in Age Verification Compliance

Did you know that UK bookmakers and casinos are setting new standards for age verification?

Discover how these sectors are achieving record compliance rates and why they are leading the charge in age verification.

Learn about the impact of rigorous age checks on the gambling industry and the measures being implemented to protect minors.

Stay informed on the latest developments in age verification and gambling regulations in the UK.

UK Bookmakers and Casinos Lead in Age Verification Compliance

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced that UK bookmakers and casinos have achieved record compliance rates in age verification checks. This milestone is based on independent figures provided by the auditor Serve Legal, which show a 91.4 per cent pass rate for bookmakers and an impressive 98 per cent for casinos. These figures highlight the gambling sector’s commitment to ensuring age-appropriate participation and surpass other retail sectors.

A Decade of Improvement

Since Serve Legal began auditing age verification performance in 2009, there has been a significant 30 per cent increase in compliance rates. This remarkable improvement positions the betting and gaming sector as the UK leader in age verification compliance, outperforming supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations. Compliance rates in the gambling sector are 10 to 15 per cent higher than those in the alcohol and lottery sectors, showcasing the industry’s dedication to maintaining high standards.

Commitment to Raising Standards

Wes Himes, BGC’s executive director for standards and innovation, expressed his gratitude to Serve Legal for their critical role over the past 15 years. “Serve Legal, alongside our members and their dedicated staff, have led the charge in raising standards and setting a new benchmark for excellence,” Himes stated. He emphasized the economic and social importance of bookmakers and casinos on the UK’s high streets, highlighting their role in the leisure and tourism sector.

“Our economic contribution must go hand-in-hand with the highest standards,” Himes continued. “We are delivering that, which should be welcome news to customers and communities across the country. Our work to raise standards goes on, and I expect these compliance rates to continue improving across the land-based betting and gaming sector.”

Zero Tolerance for Underage Betting

The BGC stressed that its members adopt a zero-tolerance approach to underage betting. They highlighted that the most popular forms of gambling among children are legal arcade games like penny pushers and claw grab machines, as well as bets with friends or family and card games. To further strengthen age verification measures, the BGC is increasing the checking age from “Think 21” to “Think 25” across betting shops and casinos. This policy will require anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to provide ID.

Industry-Wide Recognition

Ed Heaver, CEO of Serve Legal, praised the dedication and work ethic of the BGC and its members. “The Serve Legal team is incredibly proud of the work conducted by the BGC and their members. Their impressive dedication and work ethic has paid off in some highly impressive statistics, showing the 30% compliance increase across the industry over the time that we have worked in the sector. We thank the BGC for pioneering their mission of customer safety alongside ours.”

Future Steps and Regulatory Support

The BGC recently welcomed the publication of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) response to its land-based gambling consultation. The DCMS announced plans to allow debit card gambling and to update gaming machine ratios for land-based venues, aligning with the industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance compliance and safety standards.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to ensure that gambling remains a safe and regulated activity. By maintaining strict age verification checks and continuously improving industry standards, the UK gambling sector is setting an example for responsible operations.

Conclusion

The UK gambling industry’s commitment to stringent age verification measures is yielding impressive results, with compliance rates significantly surpassing those of other retail sectors. The collaborative efforts of the BGC, Serve Legal, and industry stakeholders have been instrumental in achieving these high standards. As the industry continues to evolve, maintaining a focus on responsible gambling and player protection will be crucial for sustaining public trust and ensuring the sector’s long-term success.

Stay tuned for more updates on gambling regulations and industry standards in the UK, and witness how the betting and gaming sector continues to lead in safeguarding its customers.