UK authority to evaluate digital currencies and eSports

As set out in the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) most recent Annual Report, the authority has undertaken to focus its future attention on both emerging products and growing markets, specifically noting digital currencies, eSports and computer gaming, as these have scope to present issues for regulation and player protection.

Issues under consideration range from the emergence of real money esports betting markets, to trading in-game items which the Commission believe blur the lines between gambling and social gaming.

“Our focus will be to understand developments, including engaging with key stakeholders, and we will work wherever we can to ensure the risks associated with these, particularly to children and young people, are minimised,” the report says.

The full text can be accessed here: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/pdf/Annual-report-and-accounts-2015-16.pdf