Scotland blasts UK's problem gambling efforts

An independent Scotland has pledged to introduce “more effective regulation” on the gambling industry after the Scottish government took a swipe at the UK’s efforts to solve problem gambling.

Although detailed measures have yet to be announced, the Scottish government plans to increase regulation on both online and offline betting variants.

Should Scotland vote for independence in September’s referendum, responsibility for the regulation of gambling in Scotland will be transferred to the Scottish government under the guise of a newly appointed regulator.

Ahead of the vote, the Scottish government has made clear it plans to take a tougher stance on gambling and has accused the UK government of not doing enough to prevent problem gambling.

“An independent Scotland will have the powers to introduce additional measures to tackle problem gambling, through more effective regulation of the industry, in contrast to the UK Government’s approach of greater deregulation,” a spokesperson for the Scottish government told eGaming Review.

“The Scottish Government does not believe that enough has been done to understand the impact of gambling on our communities.”

“While there is some work currently underway, more evidence would be required about the particular circumstances in Scotland before the precise detail of these measures could be decided,” the spokesperson added.

The UK government is currently in the midst of re-regulating the UK industry by way of the Gambling Bill, which is currently working its way through parliament.

A yes vote could see Scottish-facing operators having to comply with three different regulatory regimes in as many months.