The UK Gaming Authority has initiated a new round of discussions to gather opinions on imposing more stringent regulations on internet gambling providers to pinpoint customers at risk of gambling-related damage.
The discussion period, commencing today (November 3rd), will solicit advice from the industry, users, and other interested parties on enhancing the way operators act on the data they possess regarding consumer vulnerability.
The Authority stated that although operators already possess the capacity to identify customers who might be harmed by gambling, evidence indicates that the industry is not fully leveraging this capability to mitigate harm. Consequently, the Authority is eager to collect feedback on how these procedures can be refined.
Therefore, the regulatory body is proposing that operators should take action based on the information they hold about potential consumer vulnerability. The Authority also aims to compel licensees to implement stricter requirements, including transparent affordability evaluations with thresholds established by the regulator.
The Authority is seeking to gather stakeholder perspectives on the thresholds for affordability assessments, the nature of these checks, and how operators safeguard consumers following an assessment.
The Commission has stated that it will focus on the needs of consumers during the open consultation, which is available to all interested parties. The Commission aims to understand how operators identify vulnerable individuals, including those who struggle financially with gambling, and the measures they implement to protect consumer rights.
“It is clear that gambling businesses need to take additional steps, and the Commission must set clear standards,” said Tim Miller, the Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission.
“We want to have an open dialogue with the gambling sector, consumers, those with personal experience, and other interested parties to ensure we find the right balance between allowing consumer choice and guaranteeing safeguards are in place to prevent gambling-related harm.”
The consultation will commence today and will continue until January 12th of next year.
Earlier this year, the Commission issued updated guidelines on how operators should interact with customers during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. This included enhancing the monitoring of player behavior and contacting them when necessary to prevent gambling-related harm.
The new consultation follows the Gambling Commission’s recent addition of new conditions to the licenses held by BGO, GAN, and NetBet after the Commission discovered deficiencies in their social responsibility and anti-money laundering controls.
These decisions were made following investigations into each company, with BGO also agreeing to pay £2 million (€2.2 million/$2 million).
To bolster the national plan focused on mitigating the detrimental effects of wagering, GAN has consented to pay a penalty of £146,000, whereas NetBet will contribute £748,000.
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