Gambling commission formally warns operators to up their game

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), in its industry communication, has formally warned operators to comply with consumer protection law or face enforcement action.

As part of a joint programme of work, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published the outcome of its investigation into Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment (TitanBet) regarding the promotions and sign up deals they offer customers (see previous report).

The UKGC said the result importantly sets a standard of how the terms and conditions outlined by operators must be fair to their customers.

Sarah Gardner, Gambling Commission Executive Director said: “As the gambling regulator we will not hesitate to take action against those that do not treat their customers fairly.

“The principles set out by the CMA today make real progress in making gambling fairer and safer for customers. Gambling firms must now ensure that the terms applied to their promotions are clear, so that customers can understand the deals they are signing up to and what they need to do to fully benefit from promotions.”

“We support the CMA’s findings and expect all online gambling businesses to take immediate action to review their practices in line with these findings, in the same deadlines outlined. If firms cannot comply, they must remove any promotions until they can.”

The CMA’s undertakings require the majority of practices to be amended by 28 February 2018, with a later date of 31 July 2018 for the implementation of prompts for consumers when they are playing with restricted funds.

Work between the two departments will continue regarding other concerns on unfair terms and practices within the gambling sector.

The CMA’s report can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gambling-sector-told-to-raise-its-game-after-cma-action