CMA and Gambling Commission Close Joint Programme of Work
By Simon Wright, Last updated Apr 29, 2019
The CMA ( Competition and Markets Authority ) and the UK Gambling Commission have issued a joint letter to the gambling sector, which marks the completion of their joint programme of work in the remote gambling sector.
The letter which can be viewed and read in full here makes clear to operators “that putting consumer law at the heart of their business model is essential to rebuild and maintain consumer trust.”
They go on to identify the areas that the CMA and UKGC worked together on, mainly, “fairness, transparency and potential for consumers to be misled by a number of terms and practices relating to online bonus promotions, and on obstacles preventing withdrawal of customer funds.”
The six month co-operation between the CMA and UKGC which lasted for six months has according to the letter made significant improvements to the gambling sector. With six gambling firms, Ladbrokes, William Hill, PT Entertainment, BGO, Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play providing undertakings to the CMA not to continue or repeat certain practices which the CMA considered were unfair.
However, it has also been noted that the impact of the work undertaken by the CMA and UKGC has been felt across the entire industry. With the joint letter stating: “Our joint work provided a sharp focus on aspects of online gambling and exposed significant shortcomings within the sector that had undermined consumer trust and confidence. The Commission mandated that all gambling firms would need to comply with the requirements set out in the published undertakings1, not just those firms that agreed to them.”
The letter to the gambling sector is completed with the following statement: “It is important that you learn from the work that we have undertaken and ensure that compliance with consumer law is at the heart of your business model. This is essential for the sector to rebuild and maintain consumer trust.”
With it being signed off by George Lusty, Senior Director, Competition and Markets Authority & Paul Hope, Executive Director, Gambling Commission.
Simon Wright has been both a player and an observer of the online casino industry for over 15 years. His knowledge of the online casino industry – to include sports is massive. Not many folks have the experience or his knowledge about online gambling. His adoration of football is also noted. He has painted his house blue (Chelsea) and annoys his neighbors with local football songs on game days.
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