Tough ID regulations to prevent more problem gaming in the UK

The humble ID check is set to get much tougher in the UK to stop problem gamblers from placing bets online.

According to the UK Gambling Commission, self-excluded gamblers have still been able to place bets after easily changing their account details.

The Commission was responding to a BBC Radio 5 report that exposed a number of problems with the ID checks put in place by corporate bookmakers.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson said the organisation was already aware of the issues prior to the investigation and was set to announce new regulations to close the loopholes.

“We will shortly announce the outcome of a consultation on ID verification and if our proposals are implemented later this year, gambling businesses will have to prevent customers gambling using incorrect details.”

UK problem gamblers have flocked to Gamstop — a service launched last year to help block problem gamblers from online bookmakers — in great numbers. More than 50,000 people joined since April 2018.

GamStop’s CEO, Fiona Palmer, admitted, “We are taking on board the feedback and we are looking to improve the scheme.”

The news comes as increasing pressure continues to be poured on online betting agencies in the United Kingdom.

In 2018 UK bookmakers agreed to a ban on advertising during live sport, while online casinos and online bookmakers have been dealt significant fines after breaching Gambling Commission regulations.

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