Government demands more from bookmakers to protect punters during lockdown

The government has urged the gambling industry to do more to safeguard online punters in response to what it has described as the "heightened risk" of problem gambling during the coronavirus lockdown.

Culture minister Nigel Huddleston has written to the chief executives of major online operators bet365, GVC, Sky Bet, William Hill and Flutter, as well as trade body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), asking them to take extra steps to protect online players.

In response, the BGC said it strongly welcomed the "proactive approach" being taken by the minister, and promised to "address any further areas where there is an identifiable increased risk to customers during the current crisis".

In his letter, Huddleston has requested "regular and comprehensive internal data around online gambling habits" following lockdown measures, and reminded operators of their responsibility to protect players.

He has also called for greater prominence for safer gambling messaging within gambling advertising, which should "clearly warn of risks" and inform people of sources of support such as GambleAware.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has also asked the Advertising Standards Authority for details on the scale and trends of complaints about gambling adverts.

Although the DCMS admitted there was "no firm evidence" of an increase in problem gambling since the lockdown, it said there were concerns and that, along with the Gambling Commission, it would be looking at whether current regulations and the voluntary measures taken by the industry were sufficient.

Culture minister Nigel Huddleston

Huddleston said: "As we stay at home and spend more time online, it is vital that no stone is left unturned in protecting people from gambling related harm.

"Whilst overall gambling participation has fallen in recent weeks and the industry has made notable contributions to support the national response, we must take proactive steps now, and keep these measures under review.

"I expect patterns of play to be closely monitored so we can move quickly if there is any evidence of problem gambling increasing. I also want more to be done to promote responsible gambling during the pandemic."

In a letter to Huddleston, BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said its members would work to provide the Gambling Commission with the data it required, adding they were looking to bring forward "age-gating" on advertising technology to help prevent under 25s receiving gambling adverts.

Huddleston also called for an update on the promised increase in funding for problem gambling research, education and treatment promised by the five major online firms, who have said they will spend a cumulative £100 million over the next four years on the subject.

Dugher said there was a commitment to increased funding, "despite the severe financial pressures that our members are under".

He added: "What is most important to us is that we direct this help to where it is needed as soon as possible.

"Therefore, our largest members are looking to make this commitment to those organisations that are already approved by the regulator and that are able to quickly scale up existing delivery of safer gambling research, education and treatment."

Last week a ban on the use of credit cards when gambling came into force, while the government has also promised it will review the Gambling Act.

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If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive helphttps://help.racingpost.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001171154-The-Racing-Post-and-responsible-gambling