A new investigation has raised big questions about how well self-exclusion plans work to help people with gambling problems in the UK. The Gambling Commission is very worried after a BBC investigation showed that most adult gaming centers (AGCs) in one British city did not follow basic rules to protect gamblers with issues.
Undercover Reporter Accesses Slot Machines Despite Self-Ban
In the BBC’s “File on 4 Investigates” documentary, an undercover reporter put the national self-exclusion system to the test. He signed up to ban himself from all AGCs within a 40-kilometre range of a Game Nation spot in Portsmouth. Game Nation stopped the reporter from coming in, but most other places did not follow through on the ban. What is crazy is that he got access to slot machines in 13 out of 14 centers he went to, including one just 100 metres from the Game Nation branch.
The UK’s Gambling Commission, which oversees betting rules, called the investigation’s findings very worrying. A spokesperson said keeping customers safe remains crucial and that the Commission plans to start a quick probe into the problems the BBC uncovered.
The self-exclusion program lets people ask to be kept out of certain betting places. Companies then have to make sure those people cannot get in. If someone tries to break their self-ban, workers at all nearby spots, even those run by other businesses, should get a heads-up to strengthen the ban.
Merkur Slots Staff Urged Self-Excluded Gambler to Play
Still, the probe revealed widespread failures in the system. At a Merkur Slots venue, owned by Gauselmann Group, a big German gambling company, employees did not spot the self-excluded person and even urged him to gamble and offered him drinks.
Merkur said it follows industry self-exclusion guidelines and tries hard to help those needing support. However, the firm has been under the microscope before, including a big fine earlier this year after its workers exploited a vulnerable patron.
The documentary’s findings come after growing worries about AGCs spreading across UK high streets in poorer areas. These places allow people to use high-intensity slot machines around the clock, which studies often connect to higher addiction rates.
As the regulator promises to look into this issue more, activists and local governments might face more pressure to make sure gambling spots follow their legal duties to keep vulnerable people safe.