UK Gambling Commission Revises Licence Conditions and Codes of Practise

The UK Gambling Commission published the social responsibility revisions to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice this week. The revisions were made after there was a 2014 review of the gambling industry and its main target is protection of players against problem gambling within both online and land-based gambling sectors.

In addition to the revisions, the Gambling Commission is calling for public debate concerning the removing the anonymity of money gambling on land-based machines. The chair of the Commission, Philip Graf, said that much more could be achieved if anonymous gambling for real money hadn’t been such a prominent feature of land-based gambling. Also, he added that: “Removing anonymity of course raises its own challenges.”

Nevertheless, the revisions of LCCP are published online on the British Gambling Commission website and everyone can read the latest social responsibility requirements at any given time. For example, several new requirements state that the promotion of “free bet” bonus offers should be completely transparent, open and never misleading.

Additionally, there are several changes that have to be implemented by the end of 2015 as well as some requirements that operators have to meet by 2016 and 2017. The UK Gambling Commission started making changes in the UK gambling law last year when it presented the Gambling Act and since then it has been constantly working in order to provide a safe and fair gambling environment to all British citizens.

Steps to Minimise Harm From Gambling

One of the main concerns of the UK Gambling Commission is the harm made from gambling. Therefore, there are several things in the revisions whose objective is to prevent problem gambling and minimise its harm. Retail gaming operators are bound to the one click self-exclusion facility which will be implemented by 6th of April, 2016. A similar facility for online gambling operators is planned to be implemented in 2017.

Furthermore, online gambling sites have to provide a time-out facility to players who would like to take a break from real money gambling by 31st of October. Additionally, each player has to be offered an on-screen check where they can see the money and time spent during their gambling session.

No Misleading Marketing Strategies

Another very important step towards protecting customers and their interests is the part that prohibits misleading marketing strategies. Therefore, in the document is written that licensees must satisfy themselves that their marketing communications, advertisements and invitations to purchase do not amount or involve misleading actions or misleading omissions within the meaning of those regulations.

Free bets, bonuses and similar offers must have significant limitations and qualifications which will not contradict the claims that they qualify. Furthermore, marketing communications that include promotions limited by time or space have to include as much information as possible about the rules.

Also, all of the terms and conditions that apply to a particular offer should be easy to find and easily accessible. Finally, significant conditions should be displayed no more than one click away of the advertisement itself.