Gambling Commission asks whether operators should provide free gambling blocking software
New consultations from the UK regulator also focus on customer interaction and use of ADRs
The UK Gambling Commission has called for evidence on whether operators should be required to provide access to gambling blocking software for free to customers.
The UKGC said current charges for using these services can often put up a “potential barrier” between the individual and the assistance they require.
Issuing a request for responses, the Commission asked for operator views on how this can most effectively be delivered. Under current standards, operators are obliged to “signpost” customers to the availability of blocking software that helps prevent access to gambling websites.
Kindred already offers such software to its, while GambleAware research has found blocking software can be a useful tool in reducing gambling-related harm.
Speaking about the call, a spokesperson for gamban said: “People who self-exclude have already experienced a great deal of harm, and in many cases have lost all the money they have access to. So at an absolute minimum they should be prevented from gambling and assisted with the cost of measures designed to do that, such as blocking software.”
The Gambling Commission has also launched two consultations on changes to the licensing code of practice, both of which are due to end on 9 May.
The first relates to licensee interaction with customer which, under the proposed changes, must include the identification and interaction with people at risk of experiencing gambling related harm, together with obliging operators to evaluate their experiences in this area.
The second consultation is on proposals to require that operators seeking to resolve disputes must use the Gambling Commissions list of 11 approved dispute resolution providers.
Paul Hope, Gambling Commission executive director, said the proposed changes are intended to “accelerate progress in protecting consumers and preventing them from experiencing gambling related harm”.
“Making gambling fairer and safer is at the heart of how we regulate and better customer interaction, higher ADR standards and facilitating readily available blocking software are all part of this,” Hope added.