- The policy was announced on September 6 and implemented immediately and automatically for all customers under 25.
- This change impacts its retail betting shops in the UK and Ireland and all online properties under these brands.
- However, other divisions in Flutter are not implementing this policy, including PokerStars.
- The deposits limits are one of three parts in what Flutter has previously called its Affordability Triple-Step.
- It comes as the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport completes its review of the UK Gambling Act.
- The Irish Government has committed to establishing a regulator that covers online gambling and advertising.
Flutter UK and Ireland, a division of global gaming giant Flutter Entertainment, has introduced a monthly deposit limit of £500 (~$700) on all customers under the age of 25.
The policy, announced on September 6 and implemented immediately and automatically for all customers in that age bracket, prevents anyone depositing beyond that limit in a calendar month.
Players can request these limits be raised, but only a “small number” who can complete a “detailed process” demonstrating income levels that can sustain such an increased spend will be approved, the group said.
It comes as the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport completes its review of the UK Gambling Act, and Ireland plans gambling reforms. Increased scrutiny over the industry is expected in both markets.
The UK & Ireland division includes the legacy Paddy Power and Betfair companies plus Sky Betting and Gaming, acquired as part of The Stars Group purchase last year. This change impacts its retail betting shops in the UK and Ireland and all online properties under these brands.
“We are continuously looking at ways we can enhance protections for our customers, particularly those who are young or may be vulnerable,” stated Conor Grant, CEO of Flutter UK&I, in this week’s press release. “People under the age of 25 are likely to be experiencing a number of significant life changes, such as gaining independence for the first time and learning how to manage their finances.”
“We want anyone who decides to gamble when they come of age to get in the habit of setting sensible spending limits and this measure is the latest we are introducing to help make this happen,” he added.
