CMA tells operators to scrap dormancy fees and withdrawal restrictions
Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play ordered to adjust practices after a review, with entire industry expected to implement similar changes
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has forced two operators to remove dormancy fees and restrictions on cash withdrawals, and warned it expects other operators to make similar changes.
The CMA today announced Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play have formally agreed to remove terms and conditions which stopped players getting hold of their own money in one go.
According to the watchdog, players on those sites “could be made to withdraw their money in instalments over an extended period, which could lead some to gamble again where they might otherwise make a withdrawal”.
Both operators also agreed to remove dormancy fees, while Progress Play has agreed not to confiscate players’ money if they do not meet their identity check rules within a specific timeframe.
The CMA noted: “Whilst companies need to be able to make appropriate and proportionate identity checks to help prevent money laundering and fraud, they cannot justify confiscating someone’s money simply because they do not provide information within a specific time frame.”
The watchdog said it expects firms across the sector to apply the same standards.
Firms that do not make any necessary changes to their terms may face regulatory action for the Gambling Commission, the CMA said.
The action into the two firms was first launched back in March.
“People choosing to gamble online should be able to walk away with their own money whenever they want to,” said George Lusty, senior director for consumer protection at the CMA.
“Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play are the first to commit to scrap their unfair withdrawal rules, but we expect companies across the sector to follow suit so no-one gets caught out with unfair terms and conditions when gambling online.”
Gambling Commission executive director Paul Hope added: “We support the outcome of the CMA’s investigation, and we’re pleased that both of the operators involved have committed to making changes that will make it fairer and simpler for customers to withdraw funds from their online gambling accounts.
“We now expect all online operators to review the findings published by the CMA today and ensure they update their own practices.”