Revolutionizing Online Gambling: A Call to Slow Down Slot Machines

Stewart Kenny, co-founder of Paddy Power, advocates for stricter regulations on online slot machines, asserting that the rapid pace of play contributes to addiction. New government rules, coming into effect in April, will limit stakes—£5 for those over 25 and £2 for 18-24-year-olds—following a review of the 2005 Gambling Act aimed at addressing gambling harm. Kenny argues that controlling the speed of game play is crucial, suggesting that the current measures fail to tackle the core issue of addictive gameplay. He highlights the allure of quick returns and engaging visuals in online slots as factors fueling gambling addiction, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to make gambling safer, involving both the government and industry players. While acknowledging the industry’s significant profits from slots (£709 million in 2024), Kenny expresses concerns over how bookmakers entice young punters into increasingly addictive online environments. The documentary series “Changing the Odds,” airing on Radio 4, remarks on two decades since the Gambling Act enabled the growth of online betting in the UK, prompting discussions about responsible gambling practices and industry reform. Kenny’s views reflect a blend of industry insight and concern for vulnerable gamblers, urging a balanced approach to regulation without stifling personal liberty in betting.