UKGC To Issue Huge Fines To iGaming Operators That Breach Laws
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed that its new approach towards gambling operators in the country will be one that is a lot more stringent and coupled with bigger fines and harsher penalties.
The Gambling Watchdog was forced to amend its regulations and make them more stringent after receiving reports that public confidence has waned in the gambling industry due to misleading promotions, fraudulent ads and hidden terms and conditions which hurt the end consumer.
One of the major concerns reported by gamblers in the UK was that they were being preyed upon by online gambling operators who offered them rosy bonuses when they sign-up.
iGaming operators usually look to attract new customers by offering them no deposit bonuses and match deposit bonuses which usually come in the form of free cash or free spins.
Most players do not take the time to read the fine print outlined in the terms and conditions which usually place a lot of stipulations on how these bonuses are to be used, the wagering requirements attached to them and the criteria they must fulfil before they become eligible to withdraw any of their winnings acquired by using these bonuses.
Gambling Commission
So many UK players have found that once they tried to withdraw their winnings, the online casino refused them on the basis that they did not fulfil the terms and conditions. The UKGC has heard these complaints and have come down hard on iGaming operators asking them to stop using the word ‘free’ in their promotions and to stop using fine print to gain an unfair advantage over UK players.
UK players who face such problems in the future are advised to bring it to the attention of the casino operator immediately. Should they not get a satisfactory solution; the UKGC wants these players to bring their complaints directly to them.
New Measures Should Boost Public Confidence
The UKGC has informed iGaming operators that they will be issued with heft fines if they break the advertising guidelines provided. They are also given a maximum of 8 weeks to respond to a customer complaint.
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) which represents iGaming operators in the UK took these new changes in their stride and believe that it will be beneficial for both iGaming operators and players.
In a statement, Clive Hawkswood, from the RGA said
We hope these new measures combined with a range of industry initiatives will be effective in improving safeguards for customers and helping to reassure everyone that consumer protection will be at the heart of everything we do
Carolyn DuttonAuthor
Carolyn is our legislation expert, with a background in law she is able to cover the current state of gambling around the world
