- Joined
- May 22, 2012
Gambling operations licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission will be required to suspend all bonus and new player incentives from next Monday, 6th. April. This action was decided at an emergency online meeting today to allay fears of an upsurge in problem gambling due to home isolation amidst the COVID-19 epidemic.
Miss C.O. Jones, the commission member in charge of responsible gambling strategy told us:
"There is an inherent danger of gamblers spending more than they would normally budget for during this crisis, as well as boredom tempting new players to join online gambling sites in search of what they consider to be excitement to break up their daily routine. We are obliged to consider the social implications of increased gambling expenditure in these troubled times."
The reaction from online-facing gambling sites has been mixed. While some welcomed it as a common-sense approach across the board, there were several who labelled the edict as 'pointless and ridiculous'.
Mr. Simon Griefgebber, marketing director of AFJ Holdings told us:
"We understand the sentiments of the UKGC but it all seems illogical and unfair. NHS workers, delivery drivers and shop workers are raking it in with all their overtime and supermarkets are reporting record turnover. Yet we are providing an essential service to provide escapism for those with extra spare time on their hands in order to protect their mental health. There's only so many repeats of Top Gear and Minder people can take on TV before they crack. It's only reasonable we can still offer them a chance of free money on top of what they spend themselves."
Given the sometimes emotive nature of gambling stories and opinion in the press, it will be very revealing to observe the actual performance and revenues of the online gambling industry during this crisis when it's finally over.
Miss C.O. Jones, the commission member in charge of responsible gambling strategy told us:
"There is an inherent danger of gamblers spending more than they would normally budget for during this crisis, as well as boredom tempting new players to join online gambling sites in search of what they consider to be excitement to break up their daily routine. We are obliged to consider the social implications of increased gambling expenditure in these troubled times."
The reaction from online-facing gambling sites has been mixed. While some welcomed it as a common-sense approach across the board, there were several who labelled the edict as 'pointless and ridiculous'.
Mr. Simon Griefgebber, marketing director of AFJ Holdings told us:
"We understand the sentiments of the UKGC but it all seems illogical and unfair. NHS workers, delivery drivers and shop workers are raking it in with all their overtime and supermarkets are reporting record turnover. Yet we are providing an essential service to provide escapism for those with extra spare time on their hands in order to protect their mental health. There's only so many repeats of Top Gear and Minder people can take on TV before they crack. It's only reasonable we can still offer them a chance of free money on top of what they spend themselves."
Given the sometimes emotive nature of gambling stories and opinion in the press, it will be very revealing to observe the actual performance and revenues of the online gambling industry during this crisis when it's finally over.
