iGaming Business – Helen Grant, the UK Minister for Sport, Tourism and Equalities, has announced plans to introduce a number of changes to UK gambling regulations. As reported by iGaming Business, the government has already unveiled plans to hand local councils more power to decide whether more betting shops should open in their constituencies in order to combat ‘clustering’ of such outlets.
Under current regulations, planning applications are not always required for new betting shops to open as bookmakers can move into premises left empty by business under the same category, such as banks and estate agents.
The government is proposing a re-emphasis within the current planning classes, with betting shops being placed in a new category that would require a planning application.
In addition, the government will also remove the ability for other premises such as restaurants and pubs to change use without being obliged to seek planning permission.
The Department for Communities and Local Government will now consult on the proposals as part of a wider consultation on change of use this summer.
Grant also said she was keen to address concerns over fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), which have drawn criticism from all quarters due to the amount that is being spent on them.
While the tax rate on FOBTs was recently increased, Grant is of the opinion that more must be done to actually protect players.
Referring to category B2 gaming machines, Grant said: “I have therefore decided that Government should adopt a precautionary approach and take targeted and proportionate action to protect players further when using high stake gaming machines on the high street.”
