Tougher playing rules proposed in West Sussex

Tougher gambling regulations proposed by two West Sussex councils

Measures expected to be introduced by Adur and Worthing councils include the introduction of Challenge 25 at gambling establishments and a ban on credit facilities at casinos and bingo halls.

The policies were approved at the licensing committee meetings of the two councils on November 11 and 25 respectively, according to the Local democracy information service.

All of these changes are the result of new guidelines announced by the Gambling Commission in May this year, which are expected to come into force by February 2025.

The changes also include allowing the council to carry out “secret” test buys, ensuring adult gaming establishments do not allow anyone under 18 years of age.

ATMs will still be allowed in gaming establishments, although the municipality can tell establishments where to place them.

Following a consultation on the new policy, charity GamCare welcomed the advice going “beyond the mandatory and default conditions” of the Gambling Act 2005.

GamCare also said guidance could go further: “This commitment should include training frontline and primary care staff to recognize the signs of gambling harm and developing referral pathways to National Gambling Helpline or local processing providers. »

Adur District Council’s policy includes training premises staff to “brief intervention when customers show signs of excessive gambling and addiction”.

The new policy also states that, according to a recent Public Health England report on gambling, 0.5% of the population are problem gamblers, and 3.8% are at risk of becoming problem gamblers.

Final approval for the new policy will need to be given by Adur and Worthing full councils, which will meet on December 19 and 17 respectively.