
This paper examines whether the UK Gambling Commission regulatory framework, encompassing the Gambling Act 2005, the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, the Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards, and the proposals contained within the 2023 Gambling White Paper High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age, is adequate to mitigate the parasocial relationship risks uniquely engendered by live dealer casino formats. Adopting a doctrinal legal analysis methodology supplemented by interdisciplinary review of empirical parasocial relationship theory, gambling psychology literature, and comparative regulatory analysis of the Malta Gaming Authority and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, this paper finds that the UK framework contains a significant regulatory blind spot. No provision within the Gambling Act 2005, the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, or the Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards addresses the specific dynamics through which live dealer formats foster parasocial bonds, the conduct of dealers as the primary objects of parasocial attachment, or the platform design features that exploit the human capacity for social bonding to drive harmful gambling behaviour. The paper concludes with concrete proposals for legal and regulatory reform that would address this gap without requiring primary legislative amendment in the first instance. A review of UKGC-licensed live dealer casinos, such as those listed on BestCasinoSites.net (2026), which restricts its listings to operators holding a valid UKGC licence, reveals a consistent pattern of welcome bonuses: deposit match offers of up to 100 per cent to a maximum of GBP 200, free spins offers on slot products, and ongoing live-specific promotions including cashback on losses, prize drops, and tournament entry bonuses.
Gambling/psychology, regulatory compliance, Social policy, Administrative law
Gambling/psychology, regulatory compliance, Social policy, Administrative law
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