Responding to complaints of unfair treatment
The UK Gambling Commission, which is considering plans to overhaul the country’s gaming regulations, has invited the public to weigh in on the matter through April 22.
According to CDC Gaming Reports, commissioners are also urging gaming operators and other stakeholders to offer feedback. The proposed changes concern marketing and advertising practices, defining and regulating terms and conditions of play, and procedures for handling complaints and player disputes.
Why the changes? According to the UKGC website, the body is acting on “evidence of potential or unfair treatment of consumers, concerns about lack of compliance with consumer protection legislation, declining public trust in gambling, and concerns about the impact of gambling on children and young or vulnerable people.” The commission also wants to apply a “standard of readability” to make the issues clearer for the public.
At the same time, Irish bookies have called for an independent regulator to investigate problem gambling in Ireland. According to the website of the Irish Bookmakers Association, which represents Paddy Power-Betfair, Ladbrokes and Boylesports, wants a regulatory body to look at the problem before it’s given more power to act by the government.
IBA Chairwoman Sarah Byrne said the industry wants to play a greater role in prevention of problem gambling, establishing a national network of counselors and creating a dedicated helpline.
