Concerned about the proliferation of online betting and the rise in problem gambling across Britain, the country’s government launched a wide-ranging review — and its anecdotal findings on the depth of the problem were alarming. One bettor who declared bankruptcy was able to continue gambling apace with no questions asked. A nurse with a $40,000 yearly salary wagered more than $300,000 in a three-month period.
Last year, in response to these and other findings, Britain’s Gambling Commission strengthened its regulations. Betting companies were required to do financial-risk checks on customers. Age verification requirements were tightened. Online gambling companies were ordered to use the data they collect on bettors to identify problem gamblers.
