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Gambling Commission Imposes New Rules for Better Player Protection During Lockdown
May 14, 2020 Aleksandra Zolotic
To establish even higher protection standards during the current situation, the Gambling Commission of the UK has issued new guidance for online operators. The decision follows the publication of new evidence that shows some consumers may be at greater risk of harm during the lockdown.
Among the segments which were mentioned in the newest instruction, particular focus was put on the need for affordability checks, as well as prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.
Minister for Sports, Tourism, and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said:
“It is vital that people are protected from the threat of gambling-related harm and I welcome these latest steps from the Gambling Commission. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to take further action if required.”
Following the announcement of the lockdown and social distancing measures on 23 March, Mr. McArthur also reminded online operators of their responsibilities to protect consumers during the situation.
How Do Lockdown Stats Look Like?
Based on a survey done by the gambling industry and YouGov, it is concluded that during the lockdown, gambling participation went overall down. Among the crucial reasons for this are the closure of land-based venues and the cancellation of sporting events.
Even though there’s only a small number of people…
…starting to gamble for the first time, and there is no evidence suggesting an incline in problem gambling, the shift in the market as a result of the current health crisis shows an increase in the use of certain gambling products. Those products include online slots, poker, casino gaming, and virtual sports.
As far as the data reveal, in of time spent gambling, the number of sessions that are played for over an hour has slightly gone up. On the other hand, the overall session length has diminished.
The majority of those utilizing online gaming products…
… indicate that they have not increased the time or money they have spent. About two thirds (64%) of more active participants reported that they are spending a bit more time/money on at least one online gambling event. This includes National Lottery services as well.
What Does the New Guidance Say?
Online operators will be expected to start acting in compliance with this guidance as soon as possible. The modified version clarifies that the companies should:
- Prevent reverse withdrawal options for customers until further notice
- Cease to offer bonuses or promotions to all customers who are displaying indicators of harm
- Interact with customers who have been playing for an hour in a single session of play
- Review thresholds and triggers for new customers to reflect the operator’s lack of knowledge of that individual’s play and spend patterns
- Conduct affordability assessments for individuals picked up by existing or new thresholds and triggers which indicate consumers experiencing harm – limiting or blocking further play until those checks have been concluded and ing evidence obtained, and;
- Implement processes that ensure the continual monitoring of their customer base – identifying patterns of play, spend, or behaviors have changed in recent weeks.
Enhancing Protection
Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McArthur pointed out that the work to address many of these burning issues was already underway, but the current situation has only accelerated it.
McArthur commented:
“Operators must use the data they hold to protect their customers and now, more than ever, it’s vital that online operators really know their customers by monitoring how long they are playing for and understanding how financial uncertainty is impacting them and what they can afford to gamble with. To ensure operators do that, we are strengthening our guidance and expect operators to take of that to prevent bonus offers or inducements being offered to customers who are showing any sign of harm.‘’
He also added that any irresponsible behavior and refusal to follow the instructions could even result in license suspension.
Source:
“Gambling Commission instructs tighter measures to protect consumers during lockdown”, gamblingcommission.gov.uk, May 12, 2020.
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I appreciate all the efforts the Commission is putting. Numerous operators are already following the rules, and are not endangering players, but for those who aren’t, this guidance will put everything at its place.