UKGC outlines new online gaming monitoring standards

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced a series of new measures in order to give consumers more tools to monitor their online gambling habits.

The revised standards come after a consultation earlier this year and the UKGC said that the new conditions will “enhance protections” by allowing punters to make “informed decision” about their internet gambling activities.

Remote operators must allow customers to directly access three months’ worth of account and gambling data, with a minimum period of 12 months available on request, while account and gambling history must provide easy-to-understand totals for a defined period.

Gambling companies must also ensure that customers can access information about their net deposits, as well as enable them to set financial limits across their gambling account and individual games.

Operators have until April 1, 2018, to ensure that the new measures have been implemented.

Sharon McNair, programme director at the UKGC, said: “Consumers must be able to make informed decisions about their online gambling activity.

“The findings of our recent consultation indicate that there are differences in approach amongst licensees in relation to the level of information available to their consumers and the ease by which that information is accessible.

“The new requirements seek to address this and ensure greater consistency in the information available to all consumers regardless of who they choose to gamble with.

“Gambling operators must see beyond the bottom line, and ensure both new and existing gambling products are effectively managing the risks to the licensing objectives, keeping gambling safe and fair for all.”

McNair added: “We are seeing operators developing new gambling products and technologies every day – something that it is vital to the further advancement of the sector.

“But as the industry transforms, operators are reminded that we too will continue to adapt our regulation to raise standards across all gambling sectors and enhance the protections available for consumers.”

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