Major change to online slots as new government plans confirmed

ONLINE slot bets are set to be restricted in new government plans announced today.

The new measures on slots – set to come into force in the new year – are said to be introduced to allow punters to “gamble safely”.

In the plans, stakes will be capped at £5 per spin to all adults aged 25 and over.

While those playing slots between 18 and 24 years of age will have a £2 per spin limit.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have also confirmed a new ‘statutory’ levy will also be introduced next year to hep towards ‘the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms’.

The figure – which will amass around £100million – will replace the current voluntary system in place for operators.

Previously, the charity GambleAware had received a majority of the voluntary funding and had received £49.5million last year.

But the new statutory amount – 1% of their gross gambling yield – will be divided by the government, with half going to the NHS, 30% of the total to those working to prevent harms and the remainder heading for research purposes to UK Research and Innovation.

Land-based businesses will pay less than the 1% handed to online operators.

A figure between 0.1% and 1.1% has been agreed for those betting shops, with the government factoring in higher costs for those, such as premises and staff costs.

Gambling minister, Baroness Twycross, said: “Gambling harm can ruin people’s finances, relationships and ultimately, lives.

“We are absolutely committed to implementing strengthened measures for those at risk, as well as providing effective support for those affected.

“The introduction of the first legally mandated levy will be instrumental in supporting research, raising awareness and reducing the stigma around gambling-related harm.”

But Betting and Gaming Council chief, Grainne Hurst said: “The tone of this announcement suggests the government is at risk of losing perspective of these facts, while simply dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists, which serves no one.”

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk