THE United Kingdom Gambling Commission is calling for gambling operators, consumers and members of the public to make submissions on proposed changes aimed at keeping gambling fair and safe.
UKGC’s proposed changes to the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and codes of practice would see them clamp down on underage gambling including forcing customers to verify their account before making a deposit.
Gambling Commission Program Director Brad Enright said the updated terms and conditions were all part of continuing to improve regulation, which in turn helps keeps the gambling industry and its participants safe.
“Our aim is to protect children, reduce gambling-related harm and keep gambling fair and crime-free,” he said.
“We would encourage anyone with an interest in gambling matters to read our consultation and ensure they have their say on these proposals.”
Under the proposed law changes, customers at online casinos would be forced to verify the age of customers before they can deposit money or gamble, or even access the free-play component of games.
Under the current requirements operators have 72 hours to carry out age verification checks and customers cannot withdraw until they have done this. If it is found the player is underage the operator must return the stake, however there is growing concern about the 72 hour window about the damage that can be done.
Gambling operators will also have to prove the identity of the customer, including their names, address, date of birth and a current email address.
The final major point of the changes is to ensure the deposit method being used by the account holder matches the name on the account.
Licensed operators receive UKGC training
The UKGC will hold a workshop aimed at helping smaller gambling operators stay compliant and trustworthy in the modern era.
The workshop, which will be run in conjunction with the Manchester City Council, will take place at the Performances Spaces Central Library in Manchester and will be part of a nationwide series of workshops.
The issues tackled will include compliance findings, money launering, helping gamblers stay safe using multi-operator self exclusion and local risk assessments.
Representatives from the region’s smaller operators in the arcade, betting and bingo industry have been invited to attend.
“Raising standards across the whole gambling industry is at the heart of our latest strategy to shape a well-regulated gambling market that works for consumers,” Gambling Commission Executive Director Compliance and Licensing Helen Venn said.
“These workshops are a really important opportunity for us to engage with smaller operators on a face-to-face basis and to re-emphasise the importance of gambling businesses taking their anti-money laundering and social responsibility requirements seriously.”
