The year 2019 was to become a year of great changes, as the UK government was ready to impose a new £2 maximum bet on FOBTs. This projected change was meant to control betting activity, especially when it comes to adolescents. But there is a new take on the matter as the United Kingdom government has decided to delay the new regulation until mid-2020, seeing that it is very difficult to proceed with the mechanical adjustments within the previously suggested timeframe. The change at the stake cut was set to take place in April, with the first delay being the announcement that the new regulation would come into force within October 2019.
Who's Opposing the Measures?
According to some cynical observers, another less transparent reason is forcing the government's hands into a new delay. Apparently many complaints have been voiced by various gambling industry members as they are pressuring the government to repeal the stake reduction by implying that they will be "forced" to proceed to massive layoffs. In addition, it seems like there will be an increase in the online casino taxes, with the rates going up from 15% to 20-25%, with the exact rate being announced within the upcoming days.