UKGC rolls out new framework

The 31st of October 2018 will mark the introduction of a new set of rules issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The goal is to provide a stricter framework that will oblige operators and gambling portals to comply with the Commission's advertising and consumer laws. As usual the concept behind the new rollout is player protection and the offering of fair and secure gambling services and products.

Specifically, the new legislation will include:

• easier fine imposition for all those breaching the laws or not overall complying with advertising rules enforced by the new framework. Among the highest priorities is to protect minorities and avoid advertising that presents gambling in a fancy manner.
• penalties on operators that failed to organize their affiliates' advertising campaigns in accordance with the new laws.
• facilitation of easier fine imposition on operators or companies that neglected to abide by the new framework on consumer protection. Common acts of consumer law breach include withdrawal limitations and other unfair methods.
• restructuring of the complaint system for companies. Operators will have a maximum of 8 weeks in order to address and effectively resolve player complaints.
• the ability for UKGC to intervene and rectify marketing actions such as spam newsletters or any other promotional activities.

UKGC CEO Neil McArthur stated that the Commission's top goal is to protect the interests of consumers and the new framework intends to "force" operators to espouse that view and adopt practices to make it happen. He also emphasized that the UKGC intends to completely eliminate the habit of misleading advertising or unreasonable withdrawal limits implemented by operators.