Compliance Updates
UKGC Issues Stricter Consumer Protection Rules for Lockdown
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published more stringent rules for online operators for protecting customers during lock down. The new set of rules come after new evidence has surfaced that show some gamblers maybe at greater risk of harm during lockdown. The new guidelines deal with the need for affordability checks, prevention of reverse withdrawals and restrictions on bonus offers.
The Commission had collected data through the gambling industry and also through YouGov surveys. The data show that during lockdown gambling participation is down overall. This reflects the closure of land based venues and the cancellation of sporting events, with only a small number of people starting to gamble for the first time.
Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McArthur said: “Operators must use the data they hold to protect their customers and now, more than ever, it’s vital that online operators really know their customers by monitoring how long they are playing for and understanding how financial uncertainty is impacting them and what they can afford to gamble with. To ensure operators do that, we are strengthening our guidance and expect operators to take account of that to prevent bonus offers or inducements being offered to customers who are showing any sign of harm‘’
Work was already underway to address many of these issues but this means we will now accelerate this work due to the unique situation that many consumers will find themselves in during lockdown.
‘’We will continue to monitor and publish the data that we are collecting and we will take further measures if required. We are monitoring online operators closely and if we see irresponsible behaviour we will step in immediately, suspending licences if we need to.”
Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said:”It is vital that people are protected from the threat of gambling related harm and I welcome these latest steps from the Gambling Commission.We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to take further action if required.”
The data also shows that in terms of time spent gambling, while overall session length has decreased, there has been an increase in the number of sessions that are played for over an hour.
The Commission has reviewed its current guidance in light of the risks that some players may be experiencing harm while in lockdown, and online operators must now take account of the Commission’s additional guidance, which makes clear they should:
- Prevent reverse withdrawal options for customers until further notice
- Cease to offer bonuses or promotions to all customers who are displaying indicators of harm
- Interact with customers who have been playing for an hour in a single session of play
- Review thresholds and triggers for new customers to reflect the operator’s lack of knowledge of that individual’s play and spend patterns
- Conduct affordability assessments for individuals picked up by existing or new thresholds and triggers which indicate consumers experiencing harm – limiting or blocking further play until those checks have been concluded and supporting evidence obtained, and;
- Implement processes that ensure the continual monitoring of their customer base – identifying patterns of play, spend or behaviours have changed in recent weeks.
- Online operators will be expected to make changes to act on this guidance as soon as possible. The Commission will bring forward plans to consult on whether further targeted player protection measures are required on a permanent basis.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation today said it has ordered one of its licensees to pull out its advertising sponsorship for an online TV program that features bra-less women to ensure the integrity of the local gaming industry.
According to Atty. Jeremy Luglug, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for the Electronic Gaming and Licensing Department, he immediately called the concerned licensee after an online podcast informed PAGCOR about the sponsorship for the controversial TV show hosted by a popular actor.
“We will not tolerate such advertising support by any of our licensees for such very demeaning and sex-oriented show,” Mr. Luglug said.
He clarified that the licensee does not own the said show featuring nearly naked women as claimed by the online podcast, adding that the licensee is in fact a Filipino and not a foreigner as alleged.
Likewise, the PAGCOR official belied claims that young people are getting addicted to gambling because only adults have access to gaming sites as well as to electronic wallets that are being used to place bets.
“Our licensees have very strict Know Your Customer or KYC protocols to ensure that only those who are 21 years old and above can play,” he said. “And the same is true with our e-wallet providers.”
However, he said it could be possible that minors can play through unlicensed and illegal online gaming sites which are not registered with PAGCOR.
“That is why we urge the public, especially our parents, to ensure that young people are not able to access sites that are intended only for adults.
“We also urge gamers and players to patronize only PAGCOR-licensed gaming operators to preserve the integrity of the gaming industry,” Mr. Luglug added.
The post PAGCOR ORDERS LICENSEE TO PULL OUT ADS FROM OFFENSIVE TV SHOW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Rapidly Expanding Content provider receives GLI to enter the Italian Market.
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is proud to announce it has successfully obtained the certification of games and system required to enter the Italian market. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing European and global expansion plans.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a globally recognized independent testing laboratory, has completed its thorough testing process, certifying the first batch of BGaming games for the Italian market. Certification of further titles will follow.
GLI is one of the industry’s most respected testing labs, renowned for its rigorous and complex testing methods. By securing this certification, BGaming is now able to supply its content to licensed operators in Italy, providing local players with access to its cutting-edge gaming portfolio for the first time.
In addition to the GLI certification, BGaming has obtained the Information Security Management System (ISCS) certification for the Italian market and has undergone a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment conducted by Bulletproof. These further demonstrate the company’s commitment to data security and player protection.
Italy is a crucial market for BGaming as it continues to expand its global presence. The news comes a little over a month after the company secured the required certification from GLI to enter the Brazilian market.
Antonina Ivanova, Head of Legal & Compliance at BGaming, said: “Obtaining the certificates required for the Italian market marks a significant milestone for BGaming. The certification process was complex and thorough, and we are delighted to be able to prove the reliability and accuracy of our games and system, as well as our full compliance with local laws. We are also extremely proud of our team for getting this over the line.
“Italian players are among the most enthusiastic in the world, and we can not wait to introduce them to our unique brand of online games. This marks a significant milestone in our continued expansion across Europe and continues our strong start to 2025.”
The post BGaming Secures GLI Certification for Italy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is conducting a compliance operation across regional NSW throughout March to ensure venues adhere to gaming regulations that promote responsible gambling and reduce harm.
Inspectors will visit clubs and hotels to ensure venues understand and comply with external gambling signage rules and recent changes to requirements for the location of ATMs and cash dispensing facilities.
They will also check that venues have appointed Responsible Gambling Officers, maintained Gambling Incident Registers and adhered to Gaming Plans of Management.
L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to work with venues to ensure responsible gambling laws are upheld.
“Our compliance operation is well underway, with inspectors visiting venues across regional NSW to ensure they are aware of their obligations,” Ms Beard said.
“A key focus will be on the gaming reforms that took effect on January 1, 2025, which mandate that ATMs and other cash dispensing facilities must be positioned at least five metres from gaming room entrances or exits and kept out of sight from gaming areas and machines,” Jakob Rothwangl said.
Ms Beard said recent inspections in Sydney and other metropolitan areas have identified multiple venues not following the rules, leading to penalties where necessary.
“Since the new cash dispensing rules were introduced, L&GNSW has visited more than 900 clubs and hotels, issuing 53 cautions and three penalty infringement notices to 44 non-compliant venues, with several others under investigation,” Ms Beard said.
“We’re here to assist venues in meeting their responsibilities, but compliance is essential, and enforcement action will be taken where required.”
The post Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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