All UK casinos and online gambling websites will be required to display prominent addiction warnings as part of a raft of measures designed to end problem gambling.
New proposals outlined by the gambling commission will see all casinos required to promote 'socially responsible gambling', ensure that staff are trained to help problem gamblers, tighten measures preventing underage gambling and restrict alcohol sales.
Online sites will also be required to display clear information showing users the amount of time and money they have spent during their current session, as well as to programme in breaks in play in order to prevent 'continuous and repetitive play'.
Gambling operators who disregard the new measures would face fines and could have their licences revoked.
Peter Dean, chairman of the gambling commission, believes the new measures will compel betting shop operators, casino operators and online games sites to take responsible measures to prevent gambling addiction and help stem the rising tide of 'problem gamblers' in the UK.
'Our new rules are all designed to keep crime out of gambling, to make sure it is fair and open, and to protect children and vulnerable people. Combating problem gambling is particularly important to us: this is the first time the commission has had the power to do something about it, and we intend to use that power to maximum effect,' Mr Dean said.
He stressed that the commission would ensure that the new regulations were strictly adhered to by gambling operators.
'We will monitor all British gambling operators to make sure they comply with our rules. We have the power to fine or revoke the licences of those who fail to do so, and to prosecute illegal gambling. We won’t hesitate to use these powers if need be,' he added.
Secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell, believes the new measures are vital in addressing the problem of gambling addiction in the UK.
'Gambling is not an industry like any other. What can be a harmless pastime for one person can be a life-destroying addiction for another. That’s why these new rules to prevent problem gambling are so important,' she said.
'Be it a betting shop, a casino or a gambling website, gambling operators across the country will soon have to comply with these tough requirements.'
Ms Jowell also defended the controversial Gambling Act 2005, insisting that the approval of 17 new casinos, including a number of so-called 'super casinos', would not result in an increase in gambling and that the raft of proposals outlined by the commission today 'would not have been possible' without the act.
The new proposals are now subject to a period of industry consultation and are likely to be brought into effect next year.
