The UKGC sets crackdown on advertising
The UK Gambling Commission announced new regulations for gaming advertising.
UK.- The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) revealed yesterday an approved plan to update current legislation on gaming in order to have further control of the industry’s advertising market. As announced by the British gaming authority, gaming operators will face tougher fines if they do not comply with new advertising regulations.
The UKGC said that they are setting a crackdown on gambling companies that break advertising rules or breach consumer law. The new regulations on the sector will come into effect on the 31st of October, as confirmed by the local government. The new requirements, which follow an open consultation, provide stronger protection for consumers and ensure they are treated fairly by gambling businesses.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission Chief Executive said: “Protecting the interests of consumers is a priority for us and needs to be a priority for gambling operators. These changes will protect consumers from irresponsible advertising and misleading promotions, ensure that they can withdraw their money more easily, and will mean that firms have to deal with complaints more swiftly.”
According to the UKGC official statement, new regulations state that it will be easier to take action, including imposing fines, against gambling businesses that break the advertising rules (such as advertising that appeals particularly to children or glamorizes gambling) and firms will face action for advertising failings by third-party affiliates.
Furthermore, it will be quicker and easier to take action for breaches of consumer law (such as unfair and misleading practices or unreasonable restrictions on withdrawals) and firms will have to provide better complaints processes, including an eight-week deadline for complaints to be resolved. Meanwhile, action can be taken against gambling firms that send ‘spam’ marketing emails or texts.
