The intrusions into the gaming habits of most gamblers have been felt over the last few years whether it manifested itself in requests for SOW’s, loss of bonus buys or unwanted restrictions as minor as the removal of autoplays or even deposit restrictions imposed by providers as a result of compliance procedures.

Perhaps what is not widely understood is that the UKGC is regarded by many jurisdictions as the “gold standard” of regulatory practice. Now I am not saying that I necessarily agree with this however the UKGC’s efforts are held in high regard by other countries.

There is little prospect that the regulation of gambling becoming lighter in the near future and the adoption of rules and regulations in newly growing markets is likely to be little more than a copycat exercise of existing standards already created in more mature markets.

I for one can foresee that the UK ISP’s will be “persuaded” to restrict access to gambling sites not regulated in the UK.

Streamers will not be regulated directly however the influence over their conduct and content will be dictated by rules placed upon affiliates by ever more risk averse casino operators fearful of fines for non-compliance by proxy through out-of-control streamers. This would extend to game providers as well. Could you just imagine how the landscape would change if a company such as Pragmatic were to lose the ability to offer slots, through their own customers, to players in the UK because idiotic and irresponsible idiots like Ayezee used their slots for massive bonus buys.

Not everything the UKGC does is good nor is it all bad however its influence is both far reaching and liable to grow over the coming years.

The UKGC canvass opinion from FTSE bookmakers who view gambling through a prism of total self interest and do-gooders who regard gambling as satanism with no objectivity whatsoever. Consultation with real players without gambling issues is never a priority and this results in decisions being binary and tunnel visioned as if there were only two results, good and evil. For the UKGC to truly function for the benefit of all parties this is the key to meaningful lasting reform.