Gambling addicts will die because of delay to reforms, government warned

Affordability checks and slot machine stake limits welcomed but experts call proposals a ‘missed opportunity’

• ‘There will be more people dying’: mother whose daughter took own life criticises gambling white paper

More gambling addicts will die as a result of a year-long delay to reforms, the government has been warned, as experts called proposals published on Thursday a “missed opportunity”.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published a 268-page white paper laying out a shake-up of existing regulations, which date from before smartphones put access to 24-hour casino games and sports betting in every pocket.

A mandatory levy on industry revenues.

Tougher affordability checks to prevent huge losses.

Online slot machine stakes capped at between £2 and £15.

Curbing “free spin” and “bonus” offers.

Measures to slow down online casino games.

More resources for the Gambling Commission.

Plans for a gambling ombudsman.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/QFXau8A