United States
United Kingdom
Summary
- The UKGC wants to extend the GAMSTOP requirement to other betting categories
- New changes would also require operators to report customers who have died by suicide
- The consultation period will close on May 23, 2023
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has opened a consultation on licence conditions and codes of practice for gambling operators in the country.
The consultation revolves around three proposed changes to requirements on gambling businesses in the UK and the Commission is inviting all stakeholders, including UK gambling operators, customers, and members of the public to provide their input.
Extending GAMSTOP to Licensees Accepting Bets via Phone/Email
The UKGC is seeking feedback on proposed changes to Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.5.5 – Remote multi-operator self-exclusion. Under the existing SR code, all online gambling operators are required to participate in the national multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, GAMSTOP.
GAMSTOP helps customers keep their gambling under control by allowing them to self-exclude from all online gambling services offered by operators participating in the scheme.
New changes to this particular SR code would see the GAMSTOP participation requirement extended to all licenced operators that accommodate bets via telephone and email.
Notification of Deaths by Suicide and Payment Services Technical Update
The second proposal covered by the consultation document relates to the reporting of deaths by suicide by operators to the Commission. The UKGC wants to make it mandatory for all licensees to notify the agency when they become aware that an individual who has gambled with them has committed suicide. The new requirement will be added to Licence Condition 15.2.2 – Other reportable events.
Under the third proposal, the UKGC is considering amending the text of Licence Condition 5.1.2 relating to payment services. The new changes are aimed at ensuring that the condition reflects any future legislative amendments to the Payment Services Regulations.
The UKGC noted that the ongoing Gambling Act Review would not have any impact on the proposals covered by the consultation. The regulator said it remains committed to supporting the Government in carrying out the review by providing advice and would take account of the White Paper once it is published. The agency emphasized that progress must be made on the three proposals in the interim.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation through the online survey, though they may also submit their responses by post to the Policy Team at Gambling Commission.
The consultation runs for 12 weeks, ending on May 23, 2023.
