UK Gambling Industry in the News — Weekly Round-up for February 22, 2019

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Feb 22, 2019

UKGC Calls For Comment On Further Changes To LCCP Requirements

Focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Customer Interaction and Gambling Blocking Software

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is once again calling for public comment on further changes to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) specifically concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution, Customer Interaction and Gambling Blocking Software.

The UKGC is proposing that licensees be required to only use ADR providers that meet its additional standards as well as suggesting operators provide access to gambling blocking software free of charge to customers.

The full text can be read here:
https://consult.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/author/customer-interaction-adr-blocking-software/

RGSB Submits Reducing Gambling Harms Advice To UKGC

Weighs in on new National Strategy

The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) has issued its advice to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) on the new National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.

The RGSB has submitted ten primary recommendations, many of which build on its previously publicised advice.

Among the RGSB’s recommendations is its belief that treatment should rest with Great Britain health departments and not, as at present, with a charity funded by voluntary donations. The advisory body proposes the introduction of a compulsory levy on the industry to replace the present voluntary arrangements and fund prevention, treatment and underpinning research on a greater scale, with a strong and transparent structure for the distribution of the funds raised.

Another recommendation tackles the potential impact of gambling advertising and marketing on vulnerable groups, particularly children and young adults, with the RGSB saying further consideration should be given to appropriate controls “applying the precautionary principle and drawing on evidence from the marketing of products like alcohol and tobacco”.

The full advice can be read here:
https://www.rgsb.org.uk/PDF/The-Responsible-Gambling-Strategy-Boards-advice-on-the-National-Strategy.pdf

UKGC Opens Consultation On Gambling With Credit Cards

And another on player control measures on Category B gaming machines

The UK Gambling Commission has opened consultations on two “key” issues in its prevention of gambling-related harms strategy, gambling online with credit cards and, separately, on improving player control measures on all Category B gaming machines.

The UKGC backs the principle that consumers should not gamble with money they do not have, saying “gambling with borrowed money is already well-established as a risk factor for harmful gambling.”

The new consultation seeks input on the implementation of credit card restrictions, potentially including an outright ban.

The other call for evidence invites gambling businesses to outline how they will meet the challenges set out in the Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures over the protections for players using Category B gaming machines.

Paul Hope, an executive director at the Gambling Commission, said: “We are exploring measures that could help reduce the risk of harm to consumers who use their credit cards to gamble online, and to those who play on all Category B machines.

“We want consumers, gambling firms and other interested parties to have their say and provide evidence that will help us make gambling safer.”

More on credit card consultation here:

https://consult.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/author/callforevidencegamblingoncredit/

More on Category B machines here:

https://consult.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/author/catbcallforevidence/

 

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