UK Gambling Market in the News — Weekly Round-up for April 13, 2018

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Apr 13, 2018

McArthur Appointed Permanent CEO At UK Gambling Commission

Interim position made permanent after a “thorough and highly competitive” search to replace Sarah Harrison

The UK Gambling Commission announced Thursday that Neil McArthur’s tenure as interim CEO has been made permanent after a “thorough and highly competitive” search to replace Sarah Harrison.

McArthur has been acting as Interim CEO since Harrison left the organisation at the end of February (see previous InfoPowa report).

Bill Moyes, chair of the Commission, said “Neil’s appointment is great news for the Commission. He brings to the role a thorough understanding of gambling issues and regulation, along with proven commitment to making gambling fairer and safer. I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Neil as he leads the Commission to make significant progress in raising standards, protecting consumers and the public from gambling-related harm and improving the performance of the National Lottery.’’

McArthur said “I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead to make gambling fairer and safer. I am really proud of the Commission’s achievements over the last 12 years, but there is a lot more to do. Ensuring consumers are empowered to make informed choices about gambling while addressing and reducing the harms that can come from gambling is a challenge that cannot be overcome by us alone.

“It needs continued strong partnerships with other regulators, consumer representatives and government. Most importantly, it requires gambling operators to treat their customers fairly and they can expect us to be tough but fair in making sure they meet their responsibilities.”

McArthur qualified as a solicitor in 1997. He is a graduate of Leicester Polytechnic and Leicester University and holds a post-graduate diploma in local government law from the College of Law. He is a member of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers, and has preiously worked as in-house lawyer for a number of public bodies, including as the head of the General Teaching Council for England’s legal team.

UKGC Publishes GDPR Guidance

New legislation in force May 25, 2018

The UK Gambling Commission has published guidance on General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) due to come into force on May 25, 2018.

The legislation, building on the foundation of existing data protection law, demands more from organisations in terms of accountability for their use of personal data, and add to the existing rights of individuals.

The key fundamentals remain the same, the UKGC advised, however GDPR introduces a number of improvements in the way in which businesses should manage personal data along with new rights for people to access and challenge the data business hold on them.

UK ASA Publish New Advertising Guidelines

Increased protections of ‘vulnerable groups’

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), in collaboration with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has published new advertising guidelines in force from April 2, 2018 that impel advertisers to assess their marketing in terms of risk to vulnerable groups.

The guidance explains the ASA’s likely approach to interpreting the rules and includes examples of approaches that are likely to breach the Codes.

FA Fines Newcastle United For Breach Of Gambling Advertising Codes (Update)

Football club admits oversight in betting company advertising on its under 18’s team shirts

UK Premier League football club Newcastle United is on the receiving end of a GBP 7,500 fine from UK Football Association, The FA.

Newcastle United admitted to breaching The FA’s rules on shirt advertising after its under-18 side appeared in kit showing advertising of club sponsor and online betting operator, Fun88.

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