Until now online bingo sites taking deposits off UK players have been unrestricted as long as they were on the ‘White List’. They were not regulated by the UK gambling commission and have managed to avoid paying any UK tax. In addition many of them have adopted policies that are not transparent and have given little regard to bingo players, focusing purely on how much revenue they could take. However the coalition government are expected to take action that could see the majority of online bingo sites closing down.

A ‘senior government source’ has suggested that the UK government plans to ban advertising in the UK for those operators not based in the UK. In addition there are plans to stop the use of credit cards used for online gambling. For the bingo player, UK economy and the land based bingo industry these are surely positive steps and cannot happen soon enough.

In recent years it appears the industry and credit card companies have given little thought to online bingo players. Many of the online bingo sites have adopted misleading advertising campaigns when it comes to bonus funds (e.g. 900% cash match offer, which was really 3 x 300%), unfair withdrawal constraints where players deposits become little more than monopoly money once they accept a bonus or have to wager up to 40 times the total of deposits and bonus funds, banning players who win on bonus funds, refusing to pay players out that win and have only made small deposits and the latest scandal turning a blind eye when their players details are offered for sale on the open market.

Clearly as the majority of companies are based offshore, the UK Gambling Commission, Information Commissioners Office and Trading Standards have been unable to assist players that have suffered as a result of such practices. However with the proposed plans, online bingo companies would have to operate in a more positive fashion.

Given the levels of problem gambling in the UK we have already questioned why online bingo players are not informed that when they use their credit cards to make deposits they are charged interest from day one by the credit card company. Most credit companies charge around 25% for cash withdrawals or deposits for online gambling. Suggestions that the UK government plan to stop the use of credit cards for online gambling are warmly welcomed. Land based bingo clubs are not allowed to take payment by credit card and this helps to reduce problem gambling related issues and even the cash points in bingo clubs do not accept withdrawal from credit cards.

No doubt if the UK government do implement all of these polices many online bingo sites will cease to operate. While there will be sceptics lets not forget that the UK like many other countries has significant economic problems at the moment and extra revenues from online gambling will be seen as very attractive this year. Without the ability to advertise in the UK many online gambling companies would struggle to operate anyhow without considering the ability to pay UK gambling tax. Online operators have to pay large percentages of their revenues out to the 3rd parties such as affiliates and software providers, finding an extra 15-20% to pay the UK in the form of a gambling tax will no doubt turn their profit making operations into liabilities.

With higher levels of regulation bingo players in the UK should see the benefits, although there will certainly be a lower level of competition as the number of online bingo sites is reduced.