Compliance Updates
Joint Competition and Markets Authority / Gambling Commission letter to the gambling sector
“The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Gambling Commission (the Commission) have now concluded their joint programme of work concerning suspected breaches of consumer protection law in the remote gambling sector.
This work focused in particular on the fairness, transparency and potential for consumers to be misled by a number of terms and practices relating to online bonus promotions, and on obstacles preventing withdrawal of customer funds.
The CMA’s work with the Commission has resulted in significant changes by the sector. Six gambling firms provided undertakings to the CMA: Ladbrokes, William Hill, PT Entertainment, BGO, Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play. Each of these firms committed not to continue or repeat certain practices which the CMA considered were unfair. But the impact of this work has been felt across the entire sector.
Our joint work provided a sharp focus on aspects of online gambling and exposed significant shortcomings within the sector that had undermined consumer trust and confidence. The Commission mandated that all gambling firms would need to comply with the requirements set out in the published undertakings, not just those firms that agreed to them.
The findings from this work, and our expectations of you, have been well publicised, and all gambling firms should, by now, have amended their terms and practices to meet the requirements set out in the undertakings.
However, for you to comply fully with your consumer law and licensing responsibilities, you must go further than simply complying with the published undertakings. You need to audit all your terms and conditions, examine your business systems and practices, embed compliance and, importantly, continually review these to ensure that you maintain high standards of consumer protection in the future.
To be compliant also requires critical scrutiny of the practices of those that you deal with, including affiliates and third-party suppliers of systems, software and call centres, as you are responsible for their actions in accordance with the Commission’s Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).
The updated provisions in LCCP, which came into force on 31 October 2018, mean that the Commission can take swift and firm action if you do not comply with consumer law and ensure that your customers are treated fairly at all stages of the customer journey.
We have seen indications of the wider sector working to make changes to the way in which promotions are constructed and promoted to consumers. Recent figures from the Independent Betting Adjudication Service highlighted a significant reduction in the number of disputes raised by consumers over bonuses and other promotions.
Making changes to promotions and withdrawal practices is an important start, but it is only one aspect of achieving compliance. More needs to be done by the sector to win back consumer trust. The best operators going forward will be those who lead by example, build on the work undertaken by the CMA and treat their customers fairly and responsibly. The Commission will continue to look at how firms treat consumers and the terms and practices that they employ when assessing suitability to hold a gambling licence. As well as undertaking compliance activity, the Commission continues to work to make gambling fairer. For example, the Commission has introduced new rules around ID verification that will allow consumers to collect their winnings without unnecessary delay.
Although the CMA does not intend to take any further action in connection with its investigation, it is not the end of its relationship with the Commission or its interest in the sector. The CMA will continue to work with and support the Commission as it progresses its compliance work, and as it continues to tackle unfair terms and practices to ensure the fair treatment of consumers. It is important that you learn from the work that we have undertaken and ensure that compliance with consumer law is at the heart of your business model. This is essential for the sector to rebuild and maintain consumer trust.”
Yours faithfully, George Lusty, Senior Director Competition and Markets Authority
Yours faithfully, Paul Hope, Executive Director Gambling Commission
Compliance Updates
Danish Gambling Authority Opens Applications for Land-based Bingo Licences
The Danish Gambling Authority has officially opened applications for land-based bingo licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2025 for applicants who meet the required conditions and submit complete applications by 10 December 2024.
This development provides opportunities for operators to offer land-based bingo within a regulated environment.
To assist prospective applicants, the Danish Gambling Authority has created a dedicated “Land-Based Bingo” webpage. Here, operators can access application materials, guidelines and instructions to ensure submissions are completed accurately.
Operators seeking a licence valid from 1 January 2025 must submit their applications by the 10 December deadline. Applications that meet all requirements will be processed in time for the start date.
In cases where additional information or conditions are needed, the authority may issue licences with specific stipulations, granting operators additional time to address outstanding issues.
To support industry stakeholders, the Danish Gambling Authority will host an information meeting about the new land-based bingo rules on 5 December 2024. The session will take place at Englandsgade 25, Odense, and interested parties are encouraged to register by 29 November 2024.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive announces certification of new games for the Italian market
CT Interactive is thrilled to announce that new titles have officially received certification for the Italian market, ready to bring a fresh wave of entertainment to players across the country. This certification ensures that the games adhere to Italy’s stringent regulatory standards for fairness, security, and quality, reinforcing CT Interactive’s dedication to providing top-tier gaming experiences.
The newly certified games include: 5x Cherry Party, Christmas Storm, Jester Jack, Lucky Kiwi, Mega Gnome, Piggy Crash, Star Girl, The Big Chilli, The New Queen of Fruits, Treasure Chase.
These exciting games offer a diverse range of themes, from the festive charm of Christmas Storm to the whimsical adventures of Piggy Crash and Mega Gnome. Whether players are in the mood for the nostalgic appeal of a classic fruit slot like The New Queen of Fruits, or looking for thrilling treasure hunts in Treasure Chase, there’s something for every type of player.
Each game has been developed with a focus on delivering engaging features, rewarding bonuses, and immersive gameplay. With unique mechanics and visually striking graphics, these releases are designed to captivate Italian players and keep them returning for more.
CT Interactive remains committed to enhancing the Italian gaming landscape by consistently providing fresh, exciting content and introducing new ways to play.
Compliance Updates
MGA Marks Safer Gambling Week by Hosting Focus Group on Addressing Problem Gambling
As part of Safer Gambling Week, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched the first in a series of focus groups aimed at addressing problem gambling and its effects on Maltese communities.
Bringing together key stakeholders such as Caritas Malta, Aġenzija Sedqa, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, the session explored a self-assessment tool that the Authority is currently developing, grounded in recent research and industry trends.
The self-assessment tool, which will be available both in English and in Maltese, will guide individuals through a set of questions to help them identify whether gambling is causing harm in their lives. Based on the user’s responses, the tool will provide personalised recommendations and direct them to appropriate support services.
With invaluable input from organisations experienced in supporting individuals affected by problem gambling, the tool will undergo further refinement to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.
Clinical Chair at Aġenzija Sedqa, Anna Maria Vella, hailed the focus group as a “welcome initiative” which brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts.
“Working together and not in silos is always beneficial. We learn from each other to be more effective.”
Louis Bellizzi, Secretary of Caritas’ Foundation for Victims of Usury, said: “The MGA is in a unique position to coordinate the national effort to help alleviate the scourge of gambling addictions.”
In recent years, the Authority has taken significant steps to promote safer gambling practices, ranging from regular supervisory reviews on responsible gambling to enforcing stricter regulations.
The MGA closely monitors operators’ implementation of behavioural monitoring systems, self-exclusion systems and responsible marketing practices.
With a focus on high-risk areas, the Authority is refining its supervisory approach to be more dynamic and data-driven, ensuring responsible gambling practices are maintained and continuously improved to protect players effectively.
The MGA’s efforts align closely with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)’s initiative to establish a unified European standard for identifying markers of harm. The MGA is actively engaged in this initiative, working closely with fellow regulators and industry experts to create a comprehensive standard aimed at early identification of behaviours indicative of problem gambling.
The Authority’s proactive involvement in such initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering a responsible and transparent gaming sector, both locally and across Europe.
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