Online gambling magnate Stewart Kenny, a key figure in Paddy Power, advocates for tighter controls on online slot machines.
Gaming Industry Eyeing Overhaul of UK's Online Slots Regulations
Stewart Kenny, founding father of Paddy Power, has poured doubt on the UK's new regulations for online slots, stating that they may fall short in shielding the most vulnerable players. In a BBC Radio 4 broadcast, Kenny emphasized that while stake restrictions are a positive step, they miss the mark on those who are more susceptible.
By April 2025, the UK government will introduce a £5 spin limit for players aged 25 and above. For younger players (age 18-24), a more stringent £2 spin limit comes into play starting May 2025. The call for improvements is rooted in the 2005 Gambling Act's review to combat issues amplified by the rise of online betting.
The Unrelenting Addiction Concern
Despite these new regulations, Kenny worries about the breakneck pace of online slot games causing gambling addiction. He highlights the game's fast-paced nature, captivating visuals, and near-miss results as ingredients driving addiction. Furthermore, he points out the practice of luring sports bettors into the slot realm through complimentary spins offered by online casinos.
In defense, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport defended the new regulations, referencing previous updates like the 2.5-second minimum spin speed and the withdrawal of auto-play and quick-spin features. However, Kenny believes regulators should focus on curbing the addictive nature of online slots rather than solely relying on stake limitations.
The Bottom Line: Are Slot Games Too Engaging?
By December 2024, online slots profits escalated to £709 million ($919.7 million), reflecting a 15% annual growth. Spin activity increased by 9%, nearing a colossal 23.9 billion spins in the final quarter. While Kenny still invests in horse and dog racing, viewing it as less addictive, he remains wary of how the industry promotes slot games.
He urges legislators to step up their game while emphasizing that gambling is a personal decision. "Players should be allowed to play for leisure, but it's crucial that we protect them from the potential dangers," Kenny said.
Flutter Entertainment agrees that the landscape of gaming has diversified since Kenny's resignation. The company showcases its proactive measures, such as mandatory deposit limits for under-25s and a voluntary £10 stake cap on slots before government stipulations came into play.
The Betting and Gaming Council also echoed the industry's stance, stating that 22.5 million Britons engage in gambling every month, with most responsible practitioners. As the debate persists, Kenny's call for tougher legislations might sway future policy discussions.
Key Takeaways:
- Concerns about the addictive nature of online slots and their rapid spin speeds contribute to the call for comprehensive reform in the UK.
- Proposed changes include tighter stake restrictions, prohibitions on fast spin speeds, and the adoption of snug protective measures.
- Flexibility is key when addressing gambling addiction, as the general populace is entitled to leisure and entertainment.
- Kenny, a founding father of Paddy Power, has expressed concerns that the rapid pace of online slot games could lead to gambling addiction, citing the fast-paced nature, captivating visuals, and near-miss results as potential triggers.
- In response to Kenny's concerns, Flutter Entertainment has implemented proactive measures such as mandatory deposit limits for under-25s and a voluntary £10 stake cap on slots before government stipulations came into play.
- As the debate over the addictive nature of online slots continues, Kenny's call for tougher legislations may influence future policy discussions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reform in the UK's online gambling industry.
