Gamblers banned from betting more than £15 per online spin in major reform to protect vulnerable users

PUNTERS will be banned from betting more than £15 per spin online under a new government gambling crackdown.

Ministers say the move, which first has to pass a public consultation, will help stop Brits suffering from life-changing losses.

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The government announced a major shake-up of gambling rules today[/caption]

And it will level the playing field between online machines and those in pubs and arcades.

The new government gambling whitepaper, released today, sets out a load of major changes to the industry.

A mandatory gambling operator tax will replace the current voluntary levy, which the government says gambling harm researchers such as the NHS are hesitant to take cash from.

Player protection checks will also be introduced.

Betting businesses will be forced to asses regular spenders to ensure they’re not racking up huge losses.

These checks will happen instantaneously and if there’s evidence of harm punters could be banned from playing.

Ministers have proposed basic checks on punters with a £125 net loss within a month or £500 net loss within a year.

More detailed checks are proposed for those with a £1,000 net loss within a day or £2,000 net loss within 90 days.

The UK Gambling Commission will be given new powers to block unlicensed black market firms.

And the group will launch a probe into whether bonus offers, such as free bets or spins, can drive punters to spend more than they originally wanted to.

Meanwhile, firms will be required to sort out any loopholes that enable under-18s to access gambling such as online, cash prize fruit machines and scratchies.

In a major boost for seaside towns, gambling machines in arcades and pubs across the country will now be able to accept credit cards – not just cash.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen.

“So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits.”

She added: “This will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to play safely.”

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said: “The legislation covering the gambling sector was written in 2005. It needs updating to reflect how we live today.

“The measures we are announcing will protect at-risk players, while allowing the millions who bet regularly to do so unhindered.”