UKGC issues warning ahead of new framework
New standards for licensed businesses come into effect next week
The Gambling Commission has released a new video to remind all licensed gambling businesses of their regulatory obligations under the new licensing conditions and codes of practice framework (LCCP) due to come in at the end of the month.
Under the new regulations, all operators currently licensed by the UKGC will be obligated to meet certain standards or potentially have their UK licenses revoked.
Operators are required to abide by Advertising Standards Authority codes and will be held fully accountable for the actions and behaviour of third parties, including affiliates under the new rules.
In addition, all operators will have to adhere to existing consumer law, particularly in the areas of bonuses, promotions and customer withdrawals.
Explaining the reasoning behind the changes, Ian Angus, UKGC programme director for consumer protection and empowerment said: “There were quite serious compliance failings with consumer law and UK advertising codes and more general concerns about children, young people and vulnerable people.”
The changes to the LCCP will also require operators to introduce better complaint handling processes, together with a new eight-week limit for the resolution of customer complaints. Operators will also be required to ensure that they do not spam UK customers electronically with unwanted emails.
Angus added: “For the first-time licenced operators will be required in our rulebook to comply with the full suite of UK advertising codes and failure to do so will result in swifter and tougher action from the Gambling Commission, including the potential for fining.”
Changes to the LCCP will come into effect from 31 October, but Angus sounded a note of caution to potential defaulting operators, adding: “As a commission, we’ll continue to regulate in a fair and proportionate manner, but we won’t hesitate to use the full range of our regulatory powers if needed.”
New rules that better protect consumers come into force from 31 October – here’s what you need to know. Watch the full video here: https://t.co/WO67ZKp3Py pic.twitter.com/OMXDqkF45w
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) October 23, 2018