Britain’s long-awaited gambling white paper is expected to be released tomorrow, with the implications for bookmakers not as severe as feared according to analysts.
A report in The Times lists a series of proposals expected to be announced with comments from broker Jefferies in brackets.
- £2 max stake for online slot machines for those aged under 25, £15 for those older (originally expected to be a blanket £2 level)
- 'light touch' affordability checks (we assume frictionless credit checks as opposed to intrusive, high friction customer requests for further personal data)
- 1% industry levy (already voluntary contributions being made at this level by the leading UK bookmakers);
- reduced game speed
- a consultation around potential advertising limits
Movement in the bookies' shares today was muted with Paddy Power and Betfair owner Flutter down 0.5% at 15,875p, Ladbrokes and Coral group owner Entain flat at 1,438p and William Hill owner 888 up slightly at 76.9p.