The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) reminded that its new rules are to come into effect on October 31st. As previously reported by Casino Guardian, the changes which are to be brought to the License conditions and codes of practice are set to make sure that the consumers are well protected from possible gambling-related harm. The updated rules are also going to ensure that fair treatment is received by all customers from local gambling operators.
The Commission published a video, in which the Programme Director for Consumer Protection and Empowerment, Ian Angus, and the Senior Manager for Consumer Policy, Pradeep Rajania, explained what these changes will affect gambling businesses in the country, as well as their effects in terms of customer protection.
Earlier this year, in August, the UK Gambling Commission revealed that implementation of new rules will take place at the end of October, explaining that gambling companies which break advertising rules in any way or violate consumer laws will face tougher action.
The major UK gambling regulatory body further revealed that the new requirements which are to be imposed on the gambling businesses which operate in the country will face tougher actions in order to make sure that the new rules are complied with.
New Advertising Rules Rolled Out as Part of Industry Crackdown
According to the UKGC, the changes which are to be brought to the existing regulatory regime in the country will make it easier for regulators to take action, which also includes imposing monetary penalties when necessary, against gambling operators which do not comply with the advertising rules. In addition, gambling companies will face some action for their third-party affiliates’ violations of the same rules.
The UK gambling regulatory body further explained that the new crackdown on the industry will provide it with the chance to impose quicker actions whenever there are violations of consumer law, like for example misleading or unfair practices, as well as unreasonable restrictions imposed by operators on consumers’ withdrawals. As the Commission has already revealed, local operators will have to offer improved processes of customers’ complaints, and gambling firms that send “spam” emails or texts as part of their advertising campaigns will suffer from regulatory actions.
New rules from the Gambling Commission, which come into force from 31 October 2018, mean gambling companies that break advertising rules or breach consumer law will face tougher action: https://t.co/aRFEyRzfAC pic.twitter.com/nuzz3VICNF
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) August 1, 2018
The preliminary consultation on the matter saw a number of major topics, including compliance with advertising codes and other marketing requirements, electronic marketing consent, responsibility for third parties, including for remote gambling operators, as well as complaints and disputes.
The new changes are set to protect customers from misleading promotions and irresponsible gambling advertising, and will make sure that people are given the chance to withdraw their money more easily, said the head of the UKGC.
At the time when the chances to the existing situation were announced, the Chief Executive Officer of the UKGC, Neil McArthur, explained that the protection of local customers’ interests is a matter of paramount importance for the Commission and needs to be a priority for gambling operators, too.
- Author
Daniel Williams
