UK Gambling Commission urges online casinos to lift their game
Gaming regulators have urged online casinos in the United Kingdom to improve their consumer protection practices.
The Gambling Commission for England, Scotland and Wales (UKGC) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) this week issued a joint letter calling for better compliance standards across the industry.
Several licensed operators have come under fire for misleading marketing campaigns in recent times, especially with regard to online casino bonuses.
A recent report also found that punters were being forced through hoops to make withdrawals from their betting accounts.
“Making changes to promotions and withdrawal practices is an important start, but it is only one aspect of achieving compliance,” reads the letter.
“More needs to be done by the sector to win back consumer trust.”
Compliance is just the beginning, as regulators want gaming and wagering operators to take a more transparent and proactive approach in their attempts to meet legal requirements.
“The best operators going forward will be those who lead by example, build on the work undertaken by the CMA and treat customers fairly and responsibly,” the letter continues.
“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 license.”
The UKGC introduced stricter codes of practice in October 2018 and last week published a new gambling policy that highlighted consumer protection as a priority.