CMA “particularly concerned” with free bet promotions

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an update on its investigation into the fairness of the online gambling industry, saying its “particularly concerned” by certain aspects of free bet promotions.

The CMA investigation, which launched in October in partnership with the Gambling Commission, is taking a wide look at bookmaker terms and conditions in general, which the Commission’s CEO Sarah Harrison had described as being “bamboozling”.

However, in a statement this morning, the CMA said initial feedback from the public had prompted it to ask operators for more information on free bet promotions specifically.

The CMA said: “We’re particularly concerned about information we’ve received suggesting that players may be placing sports bets, which according to the terms of a promotion qualify them for a free bet, only later to be told they’re not eligible for the promotion.”

It is common practice for operators to remove free bets and promotions from customers’ accounts who they feel are either abusing the bonuses on offer or are more generally long-term winners, with customers receiving email notification.

Last year, the CMA said it was “especially concerned” about complex and strict requirements around promotions, as well as companies’ abilities to cancel bets and terms restricting players’ ability to challenge a company’s decision.

The Remote Gambling Association said at the time it had “no reason to believe there are widespread failings,” although RGA CEO Clive Hawkswood added: “If there are faults it is right that the CMA shines a light on them and that we collectively learn lessons.”