Gambling - Competition & Markets Authority launches enforcement action against gambling firms
2017
The follows an initial joint investigation along with the Gambling Commission into the online sector which was commenced at the end of 2016. During the investigation the CMA has heard from around 800 unhappy customers.
Having identified a number of operators engaging in practices likely to be breaking consumer law, the CMA is now taking enforcement action and has a range of powers at its disposal to bring any illegal activities to an end. The issues include sign up offers which do not deliver what a consumer is expecting and operators preventing customers from withdrawing funds.
As well as the enforcement cases, the investigation may lead to further action, from the CMA or the Gambling Commission, to improve practices across the online gambling sector.
In the statement Nisha Arora, CMA Senior Director of Consumer Enforcement said:
“We know online gambling is always going to be risky, but firms must also play fair. People should get the deal they’re expecting if they sign up to a promotion, and be able to walk away with their money when they want to.”
“Sadly, we have heard this isn’t always the case. New customers are being enticed by tempting promotions only to find the dice are loaded against them. And players can find a whole host of hurdles in their way when they want to withdraw their money.”
It is likely not a coincidence that the Director chose the phrase “…firms must also play fair”. This echoes clearly one of the three primary licensing objective contained with the Gambling Act 2005:
“…ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.”
No operators are named in the statement however the investigation is ongoing and we can expect statements in due course from the CMA and Gambling Commission on their eventual conclusions.
We will keep you updated.