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<p>The government has made clear that we expect operators to be aware of the potential
risk for increased gambling harm as people spend much more time at home and online.
I have written and spoken to operators to remind them that they should be particularly
responsible regarding player protections and advertising at this time, as have the
Gambling Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority. We are continuing to
monitor the situation carefully.</p><p> </p><p>The government has welcomed the ‘10
commitments’ launched by the Betting and Gaming Council to ensure safer gambling practices
amongst its members. Following engagement and correspondence with the government and
the Commission, BGC members have also pledged for the next six weeks to replace all
slot, casino and bingo advertising on TV and radio with safer gambling adverts or
to donate the slots to charity, and their online advertising will focus more on safer
gambling measures.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Gambling Commission has published
Covid specific guidance to customers about staying safe when gambling online, including
on how to limit ad exposure on social media and access support if needed. This all
comes against a backdrop of continuing government and regulator action, including
the introduction of tighter age and identity verification requirements, a ban on credit
card gambling and the introduction of Gamstop integration as a condition of holding
a licence.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We continue to hold operators to account
if they fail to adequately protect consumers at this difficult time and will not hesitate
to step in if that becomes necessary.</p><p> </p>
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