Gambling Commission investigates 'free bet' advertising
Further consultation planned ahead of possible guideline publication as 91% of complaints upheld or partly upheld
The UK Gambling Commission is to investigate ‘free bet’ offers and said it could issue its own guidelines after revealing 91% of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) were upheld over the past four years.
Advertisements offering free bets or spins as a sign-up or deposit bonus have come under increasing scrutiny, with the ASA upholding or partially upholding a total of 53 of 58 complaints made since 2008.
A number of operators including bet365, Betfair and Sky Bet have fallen foul of the ASA in recent months with the independent body highlighting problems such as cash-out restrictions and terms and conditions being too many clicks away.
A consultation is currently underway to discuss changes to the Licensing Constitutions and Codes of Practice, with the award of ‘free’ bets identified as a particular area in need of additional work.
A Gambling Commission spokesperson confirmed to eGaming Review that a further consultation is planned, but dates have yet to be agreed.
The Gambling Advertising Monitoring Unit, which comprises the ASA, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, Ofcom, Phonepay Plus, the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Gambling Commission, will collaborate to discuss the issue in detail.
The consultation is also likely to consider measures taken by international regulators, with the state-controlled Swedish operator Svenska Spel recently withdrawing bonus offers and discounts as a means of combating problem gambling.