Gambling Commission warn operators to take immediate steps to comply with consumer protection law.

“An investigation conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority following concerns regarding online promotions has led to a number of operators giving undertakings to ensure compliance with consumer protection rules.  The Gambling Commission has advised that they “…expect all remote operators to make similar changes to their promotions.”

The undertakings give details of actions that need to be taken and how terms and conditions must be clear for any bonus promotions, they include:

• A prohibition on requiring  players to play multiple times before they are able to withdraw their own money;
• Ensuring transparent terms and conditions with any restrictions on promotional gameplay being clear to players; and
• Players must not be obliged to take part in any publicity.

More information about the content of the undertakings can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

The Gambling Commission has confirmed that they expect all operators to comply with 13 out of the 14 standards set by 28th February 2018. Prompts for customers playing with restricted funds must be in place by 31st July 2018.

The Commission has advised that “In the coming months, we will undertake compliance activity to test how operators are making these changes. Where action is not taken or is insufficient, we will not hesitate to intervene further, including taking enforcement action where necessary.”

For further information on this news item or any other gambling legal issue contact Nick Arron, Partner and Head of the Betting and Gaming Team, on 0115 953 8500