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The online gambling market is better regulated than ever before, but governments always consider new changes. In recent years, most of the modifications made to existing laws have only added more restrictions. The UK gambling market is one of the best regulated and also among the least susceptible to unexpected changes. Whenever modifications are made, regulators consult the audience, as well as the gaming operators themselves. In 2021, some sweeping changes are expected and many of them are frowned upon by bookmakers and online casinos.
Making online gambling safer
This is the declared goal of regulators from all over the world, UK GC included. The Commission is the enforcing body of proposed gambling legislation and British members of the parliament have been particularly active in recent months. Some of the changes expected to affect the Internet gambling environment are significant. They include restrictions on betting amounts, deposit limits and a few go a step further to limit advertising in sports.
The sports betting industry was heavily hit by the global pandemic. Many leagues were brought to a screeching halt and championships from all over the world got suspended. When the restrictions were partially lifted, punters found themselves betting in a very different environment. With no supporters cheering from the stands, matches have lost much of their shine and home pitch advantage was rendered meaningless. Savvy punters were able to take advantage of these changes and boost their winnings.
As bookmakers are slowly returning to what is the new normal, they are concerned about the UK GC’s next steps. What is particularly worrisome is that online gambling firms are likely to be denied the chance to promote the brand. A significant percentage of Premier League teams, as well as Championship squads are sponsored by sports books. If the proposed law comes to force, it will be prohibited for bookmakers to advertise their brands on the player’s shirts.
Worrisome news for online casinos
Some of the most important restrictions are targeted at online casinos and bingo sites listed at this website. Slots players will be the most affected, as the maximum betting amounts will be severely restricted. This mirrors the limitations imposed to local gambling parlors where punters can no longer bet larger amounts on slots. In addition to decreasing the maximum bets, regulators also want to slow down the pace at which slots are played. Each round will have to last for a few seconds longer, which will greatly decrease the speed of each spin.
The reason behind these measures is to limit the amounts that players can lose at slots. These are known as some of the most popular games, but also the most profitable ones for online casinos. By introducing deposit and wagering limits, regulators hope to help vulnerable gamblers. If they have to wait more for the end of each round, players will be unable to bet huge amounts over short periods of time. Time will tell if restrictions will be implemented in 2021 or if regulators decide to postpone their arrival for 2022.
