Gambling Licence conditions and codes of practice changes

The Gambling commission has announced changes to the Licence conditions and codes of practice which will come into force on 31st October.

The changes mean gambling companies that break advertising rules or breach consumer law will face tougher action and are summarised by the Gambling Commission as follows;

• it will be easier to take action, including imposing fines, against gambling businesses that break the advertising rules (such as advertising that appeals particularly to children or glamourises gambling)
• firms will face action for advertising failings by third party affiliates
• it will be quicker and easier to take action for breaches of consumer law (such as unfair and misleading practices or unreasonable restrictions on withdrawals)
• firms will have to provide better complaints processes, including an eight week deadline for complaints to be resolved
• action can be taken against gambling firms that send ‘spam’ marketing emails or texts.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission Chief Executive said: “Protecting the interests of consumers is a priority for us and needs to be a priority for gambling operators. These changes will protect consumers from irresponsible advertising and misleading promotions, ensure that they can withdraw their money more easily, and will mean that firms have to deal with complaints more swiftly.”

To view the announcement and a video of Ian Angus, Programme Director for Consumer Protection and Empowerment and Pradeep Rajania, Senior Manager for Consumer Policy explaining the changes click here.