The UK is considering updating its 17-year-old gambling legislation to address addiction concerns. Ministers are currently debating maximum stakes between £2 and £5 for online casinos and a ban on free bets. Gaming companies could also be required to remove features from online games that increase the level of risk for customers, such as quick games where customers can lose money faster.
Online gaming sites may be required to check if their players can afford to play to ensure they don’t spend more money than they can afford. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other cabinet members must approve the final decision within the next week.
Analysts interviewed by CNBC have praised the planned legislation, saying it isn’t as stringent as previous versions that had been blocked. According to Jefferies’ James Wheatcroft, investors may be relieved that the planned legislation isn’t more restrictive. According to the Wednesday note to clients, the most significant aspects are “relatively benign” and can be expected to have a limited financial impact on the sector. At 9:08 a.m., Las acciones de 888 Holdings Plc aumentaron un 4.9% en Londres trading, Playtech Pld subió un 0,2%, y Flutter Entertainment Plc avanzó un 0,8%. Entain Plc subió un 0,1% a las 9:08 a.m.
Según una fuente, el gobierno planea reducir las restricciones a los operadores de casinos físicos. La reducción de los límites permitirá a los casinos tener hasta 80 máquinas tragamonedas en sus negocios. El gobierno también permitirá a los casinos ofrecer crédito a turistas extranjeros adinerados. Los casinos pueden competir con las empresas de juegos en línea proporcionando crédito a turistas extranjeros. Rank Group Plc, que posee casinos en el Reino Unido, ha aumentado un 3,3% debido a esta noticia.
