The UK government’s response to its consultation on land-based gambling reforms, published last May, included proposals to allow direct debit card use on gaming machines. This landmark change could redefine how players interact with gaming machines. Here are our thoughts on this development and what it means for the industry.
The Gambling Commission will oversee the implementation of debit card acceptance, with a focus on appropriate player protection. Achieving this will likely involve revising the Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) Regulations 2007 and updating the Commission’s Gaming Machine Technical Standards.
A key aspect is ensuring that each transaction is verified, which will apply to both deposits and withdrawals. While PIN entry may be an option, the introduction of alternatives such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, passcodes, or fingerprint recognition ensures flexibility and convenience. The government’s emphasis on solutions meeting Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements opens the door for innovative approaches to streamline debit card usage while maintaining robust security.
The government’s proposals include voluntary and mandatory limits on deposits and session times. While these measures aim to protect players, they must also avoid negatively impacting those at no risk of harm. One significant challenge is ensuring that systems can identify whether the same or different players are using the machine during a session.
The GPT team is actively exploring how payment systems and infrastructure can address these challenges. Discussions with gaming machine manufacturers are already underway, focusing on how technology can create a balance between safeguarding players and maintaining an enjoyable gaming experience.
As the industry adapts to these changes, GPT remains committed to shaping a future that combines technological advancements with responsible gaming. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and upcoming innovations.
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