Photo by Esteban López on Unsplash
2025 is set to be another exciting year for the UK’s gambling industry, with technological and regulatory changes planned to improve the current system.
While some changes may be phased in, others are set to make an immediate impact that should enhance the consumer experience, improve safety and security, and increase tax revenue.
Streamlining of Responsible Gambling Systems
Responsible gambling is an important part of the UK gambling industry’s strategy, and the use of AI could help develop it further.
Online operators licensed in the UK are already required to enrol in the Gamstop self-exclusion system. However, consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to online gambling and there are some excellent casinos in the UK not on Gamstop to explore. Gambling expert Kane Pepi explains that these alternatives are licensed in external jurisdictions and offer consumers a variety of advantages.
New systems that are set to be implemented include AI options that offer real-time monitoring of customer behaviours. This can be a great way to identify when customers’ betting patterns change, even for those who are not signed up for Gamstop. This can also be a massive boost to security systems.
AI will also make it easier for consumers and casinos to tailor playing limits and alert players of risky or unfamiliar betting patterns.
Tax System Revision
The gambling industry breathed a sigh of relief after the UK’s budget was announced at the end of October. There had been fears that the industry’s online and in-person operations were set to see a significant rise in taxes. These reports caused share prices to drop dramatically, wiping millions in value from major UK operators.
While the budget did not include any tax revisions for UK gambling operators, it is likely that some changes will come in 2025.
UK betting operations face a 15% duty of 15% on their net stake receipts and 21% of online operator profits. However, it is likely that tax rates will be consolidated to simplify the process.
There have not been any specific proposals that indicate a tax increase is imminent, but there is some wiggle room in areas like online casinos and sports betting that have seen great performances.
The Continued Implementation of the Gambling Commission’s 3-Year Corporate Strategy
The UK’s Gambling Commission began its 3-year ‘Gambling Regulation in a Digital Age‘ corporate strategy this year and will continue to focus on its main goals of using emerging data and analytics to improve gambling regulations, enhancing operational functions, ensuring license requirements are up to date, and being able to identify and address any potential issues as quickly as possible.
Enhanced Security
As the UK’s online gambling industry continues to grow, the need for robust security has never been greater. Data theft and financial crime threats are omnipresent in modern life, and the gambling industry is not immune to this.
However, the best sites will offer a variety of measures that will enhance security and deter cybercriminals.
Two-factor authentication is already in use and will be further implemented to protect customers. This system requires users to enter their password before confirming their identity by entering a one-use code sent to an email or mobile associated with the account.
This additional layer of security acts as a great deterrent to hackers or criminals attempting to gain access to accounts.
Cybersecurity audits will also be in place in 2025 to ensure sites are up to date with certification and security procedures.
The proliferation of crypto casinos has also seen blockchain technology being used to improve security and transparency. Users can see all transactions that take place on the blockchain, ensuring sites are legitimate. They also offer faster, more secure, and cheaper ways of making payments in comparison with traditional payment methods.
AR and VR Integration
Augmented and virtual reality is nothing new, but developers have faced limitations in the past. The ability to implement these technologies into online casino games without them impacting the user experience negatively is now possible thanks to improved connectivity.
These technologies have allowed operators to bridge the gap between online and in-person gambling by creating an immersive experience with live or AI dealers and competitors.
Conclusion
The infrastructure is already in place to ensure 2025 is an exciting year for UK gambling. Technology will play a massive part in improving responsible gambling and security. It should also help to improve payment options for users with crypto and different online payment systems being more readily available.
While the threat of tax increases hasn’t disappeared, the recent budget announcement has given the industry more time to consider how they will move forward when changes to the system are eventually made.
Potential regulatory changes will improve user safety, and the use of AI and ML technology will help operators implement these efficiently. This same tech will also be used to improve the gaming experience, which should result in improved customer satisfaction.
