There has been mounting pressure on UK gambling operators to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak which has forced millions of citizens into lockdown. Already, data shows that there has been a spike in the number of players using online casinos in recent weeks.
Videoslots.com has been one of the first to respond by enforcing a mandatory loss limit for all players residing in the UK. This new safety measure is designed to protect players during the pandemic.
Mandatory Loss Limits
Most experienced players will know that all online casinos in the UK offer tools (found under the responsible gambling tab) that allow you to set loss limits and deposit limits, among other features. However, until now, it was totally voluntary whether a player chose to or not.
Videoslots has changed that. Players are now required to set a monthly loss limit before being allowed to place their first bet. After the player has set his/her loss limit, it takes seven days if a request is made to alter it. During this period, Videoslots responsible gambling team will reach out to contact the player and confirm the reasons for this change of mind.
Talking about this new measure, the CEO of Videoslots, Alexander Stevendahl, said, “Playing on Videoslots.com should be a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment, and that’s why we’ve made loss limits mandatory. Prompted by the pandemic while understanding it’s the right thing to do as the industry moves forward, this addition is another way to further protect our players, especially during these tough times. We expect other operators to follow suit.”
Does this Measure go far Enough?
While Videoslots must be commended for taking some form of action, certain groups would like stricter COVID-19 gambling rules imposed. The Gambling Related Harm All-Party Parliamentary Group has already called for a daily deposit limit of £50 to prevent excessive gambling by vulnerable players. Ultimately, Videoslots has placed the ball in the player’s court. They still set their own limits, and they can be changed as well. The concern is that persons with gambling related problems may not set limits that match their disposal income.
However, it can’t be denied that this is a step in the right direction. We await to see what measures other operators introduce, or whether the Gambling Commission will step in and enforce more hardline measures.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling problems, please contact www.gamcare.org.uk for professional assistance.
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