UKGC issues RG reminder to operators as second lockdown begins
CEO Neil McArthur acknowledges “enormous challenge” of remote working but reiterates Covid-19 compliance requirements
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has warned online gambling operators not to lose focus on responsible gambling and compliance as a second Covid-19 lockdown period begins across England.
In a statement, UKGC CEO Neil McArthur acknowledged the “enormous challenges” of moving to a remote-working environment but called on operators to remain alert to increased vulnerability among players affected by the shutdown.
“It is vital that all operators play their part in keeping their customers safe and we will be continuing to conduct our compliance assessments during this month-long lockdown,” McArthur said.
“As was the case during the first lockdown, we know that there are likely to be significant numbers of people, particularly people from the retail and hospitality sectors, who will be at home for at least the next four weeks.
“In light of these recent developments and while I recognise the enormous daily challenges businesses are facing, I want to highlight again our expectations around customer safety,” he added.
The UK regulator reiterated its stance that consumer protection must remain paramount for the second lockdown period and encouraged operators to be “very mindful” of its impact on customers.
In the area of marketing, the UKGC urged gambling operators not to exploit the current lockdown and to be cautious in cross-selling customers during the period.
Elsewhere, UK operator trade body BGC has agreed to revive its 10-pledge Covid-19 safer gambling plan which was unveiled during the original lockdown from March.
Pledges being reinstituted include increasing safer gambling messaging, actively promoting deposit limits, monitoring responsible gambling advertising and instituting a one-strike termination policy where affiliate partners breach standards.
“Our members did not hesitate to sign up to our 10-pledge action plan in March and I am delighted that they have done so again as we, regrettably, go back into some form of lockdown, admittedly with far fewer restrictions this time,” BGC CEO Michael Dugher said.
“Nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of our staff and customers and these pledges make very clear the standards expected of our members in the coming weeks,” he added.