Lottoland fined by UKGC

Lottery betting firm, Lottoland has been slapped with a GBP 150,000 fine by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for failings in its advertising communications which were brought to light by a complaint made to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in February 2017.

The UKGC and the ASA have publicized the matter saying it considers “it important that consumers are made aware of the type of gambling they are participating in”.

The authorities ruled that Lottoland failed to make clear that customers were betting on the outcome of a lottery draw and were not taking part in the actual lottery.

Lottoland has been ordered to pay the GBP 150,000 fine to socially responsible causes, is liable for Commission investigation costs, and must agree to the issue of a public statement outlining its failings for industry wider learning, the UKGC said.

Richard Watson, Gambling Commission Programme Director for Enforcement and Intelligence, said: “In this case the operator used ambiguous terminology in their marketing and advertising, which was misleading. That is not acceptable and the £150,000 penalty package reflects the seriousness of Lottoland’s failures.

“We expect all operators will learn the lessons from this case and take action to ensure that their consumers are clear about what they are being offered.”

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