UKGC Urges Betting Operators To Be On Best Behaviour During Covid-19 Crisis

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive for United Gambling Commission has sent a letter to operators urging them to maintain the highest operating standards during “ uncertain and unsettling times”.

‘Consumer Protection Must Be Paramount’

McArthur maintained, “consumer protection must be paramount” as the country is now in the grips of self-isolation in its ongoing bid to fight the Coronavirus. The industry as a whole will be scrutinised and all engagement between operators and consumers will be monitored. They must continue to follow strict guidelines regarding KYC checks and compliance to keep the consumers safe.The UKGC are already seeing reports of an increase in casino games, poker, slots and virtual sports after most sporting events have either been postponed or cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. McArthur has urged all operators to act responsibly and if irresponsible behaviour is witnessed they will step in immediately. Also, operators must adhere to their licensing conditions and codes of practice.

Clear Expectations

In a letter written to operators, McArthur set out clear expectations regarding consumer protection:*We expect you to act responsibly, especially around individual customer affordability checks and increased social responsibility interactions.*We expect you to be very mindful that customers may be vulnerable and experiencing financial uncertainty, whilst others may be experiencing other effects of being isolated including, for example, feelings of anxiety, loneliness or boredom.*We expect you to know your customers and step in if they are showing signs that they are experiencing or at risk of harm.Equally, operators must conduct marketing in a responsible manor, following the UKGC regulations and monitor advertising channels like affiliates, media buys and partnerships.The letter reiterated, operators must adhere to regulations set up and be ‘co-operative’ in acting in accordance to licensing conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).

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