UKGC calls for acceleration of consumer protection process

The commission is inviting stakeholder views to accelerate consumer protections in the territory.

UK.- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published a new report in which it calls for views on plans to accelerate progress in its drive to make Britain’s gambling industry the fairest and safest in the world.

The commission said that it is interested in hearing iews from all stakeholders – including consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups – on three proposed measures to reduce gambling harms and help consumers in dispute with operators.

The regulator said that it is requesting views on strengthening its expectations on identifying and interacting with customers, evaluating what works and taking into account its guidance on customer interaction.

“We are also seeking views through a call for evidence on whether operators should have to provide access to blocking software free of charge to customers, and how this could most effectively be delivered. Gambling blocking software allows consumers to block access to gambling products on their phone, tablet or computer. It can be a helpful tool to add friction between a compulsion to gamble and the ability to be able to do so,” said the UKGC on its website.

Paul Hope, Gambling Commission Executive Director, said: “We would like as many people as possible to have their say on these two consultations and the call for evidence. The proposed changes are intended to accelerate progress in protecting consumers and preventing them from experiencing gambling related harm.

“Making gambling fairer and safer is at the heart of how we regulate and better customer interaction, higher ADR standards and facilitating readily available blocking software are all part of this.”