New regulation penalties unveiled by the UKGC

The local gambling commission UKGC revealed that operators who violate regulations are set to face higher penalties.

UK.- The UK Gambling Commission has unveiled new plans that establish that operators that break the current regulations will face higher penalties. The plans also include a push to lower the operator’s chance to not get its license renewed.

The fines could be even higher if the penalties are systematic and repeated. Sarah Harrison, chief executive of the UKGC, said that they will use the full range of enforcement powers to ensure operators put costumers first and raise standards. “The industry can be assured that we will use our powers in a targeted way, and consumers and the public can be assured we will take robust and effective action when gambling companies don’t meet their obligations.”

Moreover, she added that the enforcement policy is designed to impose tougher sanctions for operators who fail their customers, and that they want to work with those who raise standards. Founder of the group Justice4Punters Brian Chappel said that the announcement has been well received, as it confirms the discussions in their meetings with the Gambling Commission that they are committed to improving customer service for gamblers. “Gamblers really struggle to get any justice at all from companies and any regulatory changes that help with this situation are very welcome.”

Earlier this month a new tool to provide gamblers the opportunity to check their online gambling activity in order to control their habits and raise awareness has been introduced by the UKGC, which will have companies providing customers with access to account and betting information as an effort to fight irresponsible gaming. Operators will be compelled to give customers at least three months’ worth of data and account history information for minimum period of 12 months on request, with distinct totals for a defined period. New regulation will also have companies to guarantee customers’ access to net deposits information and will have to set financial limits across their gaming accounts and individual games. They have until April 1, 2018 to implement these changes.