According to iGaming news website iGB, the Gambling Act white paper “is back on track to be published in the coming weeks”, despite concerns about a possible 2023 publication postponement, or complete shelving.
The iGaming website reported that during an industry event earlier this week, Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Michael Dugher said that he was expecting the document to be published, “by Christmas”.
The document’s publication follows an initial consultation which took place in December 2020, and “formed the first part of the wider Gambling Act review”.
While many expected the document to be published last July, it was delayed due to a number of UK government resignations, including that of former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Tech and the Digital Economy, Chris Philp who was responsible for the document’s review.
The document was pushed further back when the UK’s former Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson resigned last July.
With Liz Truss elected as the UK’s new PM in September 2022, the status of the document’s publication was in doubt.
While The Guardian reported rumours regarding the possible axing of the Gambling Act Review by Truss’ government, other reports earlier this year have included certain details of policies that could be included in the review.
A leaked early draft of the white paper included a monthly capping on affordability, and also revealed further investigations into casino players losing £2,000 (close to NZD$4,000) in three months.
NZCasino’s guarantee to promote fair gambling
Since the Gambling Act’s objectives focus on preventing gambling from being associated with and used to support crime, it is crucial to ensure that the law is kept updated.
The Gambling Act also ensures “that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and … protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling”.
Here at NZCasino, we promise to continue working with reputable and licensed casinos and protect against gambling exploitation through Responsible Gambling.
For more information on how to stay safe while gambling, this information is also available on the websites of top online casinos in New Zealand.
Earlier in October, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) announced that it will be introducing detailed Responsible Gambling player protection rules for licensees.