Poll: Is the CMA’s clampdown on bonuses a watershed moment for the gambling sector?
William Hill, Ladbrokes and Playtech have committed to new bonusing procedures, but will the CMA’s announcement bring about permanent change?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) pledged last week that bonus promotions in the online gambling sector will undergo landmark changes.
William Hill, Ladbrokes and PT Entertainment (TitanBet and Winner) agreed to change the way their promotional offers work to ensure that players can always access and release their money.
Operators will also no longer be allowed to write Ts&Cs requiring the customer to play multiple times before withdrawals and gameplay restrictions must be made absolutely clear from the outset.
The Gambling Commission backed the CMA’s decision which was made following a six-month investigation into unfair industry practices.
Warwick Bartlett, chief executive at Global Betting and Gaming Consultants said: “After a thorough investigation on the part of the CMA I believe the changes proposed will provide a level playing field for all operators and greater clarity for gamblers, leading to more customer satisfaction.”
But industry reaction to the announcement was mixed, with most concluding that a watershed moment was unlikely until any formal regulatory action is implemented.
Goodbody doesn’t believe the changes will have a significant financial impact on the sector and industry expert Alun Bowden said that a radical shift would only occur if the Gambling Commission implemented regulatory sanctions.
Bede Gaming chairman Joe Saumarez Smith added: “Wagering requirements aren’t going away, as there’s too much bonus abuse going on in the UK and the sector isn’t going to just start giving money away.”
With that in mind, we ask readers this week whether the CMA announcement will prove a watershed moment for the sector and spark a cultural shift in the way bonuses are offered to consumers. Or will promotions carry on as they are until operators are forced into change?
Poll: Is the CMA’s clampdown on bonuses a watershed moment for the gambling sector? Context: https://t.co/wMN3F6O6qq
— EGR Global (@EGRIntel) February 5, 2018