UKGC Updates Consumer Protections for the Spring
Published February 11, 2019 by Lee R
The new UKGC guidelines are attenuating identity checks to the means by which players need to get protected.
The UKGC is getting more proactive in making online gaming safer and more equitable for consumers.
The New Provisions
The new provisions come in the form of an updated list of rules for operator devised after an open consultation. The rules centre around new requirements for more rapid checks by operators to verify customers’ age and identity details.
Verification Procedure Adaptation
All verification checks must now be completed by operators before customers can make a deposit, place a bet with personal or bonus funds or access free-to-play versions of online games at all.
This updates the previous system in which consumers were able to make deposits for up to 72 hours while the age verification checks were taking place.
Protecting Children
The change in this rule has enabled the Commission to more effectively safeguard against the risk and ultimately prevent children gambling online.
In Response to
The Commission updates the verification process for withdrawing existing funds in direct response to last year's CMA report quantifying consumer dissatisfaction regarding the need to provide additional identity information for withdrawals.
Info Required
Now remote licensees will be required to verify the name, address and date of birth of a customer before allowing them to gamble. Operators also must inform customers before they can deposit funds of the types of identity documents or other required information, the circumstances for the requests, how the funds should be supplied and other “reasonable steps” to ensure customer identity remains accurate.
Goals of Updates
With the additional information, the UKGC said it can support operators in more effectively preventing harm and reducing criminal activity and keep self-excluded players from playing again.
UKGC Leader Speaks
UKGC chief executive Neil McArthur explained that the changes are set to “protect children and the vulnerable from gambling-related harm, and reduce the risk of crime linked to gambling. They will also make gambling fairer by helping consumers collect their winnings without unnecessary delay.’’
Culture Secretary Speaks
The changes were further supported by Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary of State Jeremy Wright, who lauded the extra layer of protection that it will implement for children and young people attempting to gamble online.
Incoming with More Dialogue
The updated rules will come into effect on May 7, with the Commission set to launch a further consultation on strategies for interactions with customers experiencing gambling-related harm.
Outlook
The UKGC looks to be effectively addressing the needs of its jurisdiction by maintaining key dialogue to stay in touch with the consumer.
