Gambling Commission Formally Warns Operators To Up Their Game

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Feb 16, 2018

In terms of compliance with consumer protection law

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 InfoPowa 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

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


CasinoMeister heart Top 5 casinos

CasinoMax

325% up to $9750 Welcome Offer

3Dice Casino

110% up to $110 Welcome Bonus

Spinfinity

300% Slots Bonus up to $3,000 on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Deposits

Roaring 21 Casino

400% up to $4,000 + 100 Free Spins Welcome Bonus Package