Gambling Key issues The review also considered the role significant sports’ governing bodies and powers of the Commission. to adhere to a cross-sport Code On 27 April 2023, the UK government of Practice concerning gambling proposed comprehensive reforms sponsorship. This is intended to to the gambling sector in its White elevate standards in areas where Paper ‘High Stakes: Gambling Reform sport and gambling sponsorship for the Digital Age’. The White Paper intersect, akin to existing measures set out proposals for reform in within the alcohol sector. six areas: Player protection checks online gambling In an effort to assist individuals marketing and advertising potentially experiencing harm the Commission’s powers and or grappling with addiction, the government proposals include resources increased obligations on gambling dispute resolution and consumer operators to enhance protections for redress their customers. children and young adults, and Betting companies will be required land-based gambling. to conduct seamless player protection checks on the highest The new measures are designed spending gamblers to check they’re to build on the government and not incurring harmful losses. These Commission’s initiatives to prohibit checks will happen instantaneously, credit card usage for gambling and won’t impact gameplay, unless activities, enforce more stringent there are signs of financial harm age verification procedures for where people may have declared online betting, and reduce the bankruptcy, or are racking up debts maximum stake on fixed-odds to fund their gambling. betting terminals. The White Paper further outlined proposals urging all The checks will be targeted where there’s the most risk of harm – not at 137