KPMG to aid creation of UK national self-exclusion platform

KPMG has been recruited by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) to assist in the creation of the UK's online gambling self-exclusion system.

The professional services company will initially assist the trade body by undertaking a scoping study, which will help to shape the development of the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme (NOSES).

KPMG will then support and advise the RGA during the implementation process, which could take place before the end of 2017.

NOSES has been in development since the Gambling Commission (UKGC) decided in February this year that the industry itself – through the RGA – would be responsible for the creation of a national online self-exclusion system.

Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the RGA, said: “Self-exclusion can be a vitally important tool, especially for problem gamblers or those who are at risk of developing problems.

“Self-exclusions have long been offered on a company basis, but in terms of consumer protection it will be a huge step forward to have a single national scheme of the type envisaged by government and the Gambling Commission.

“Establishing a cross industry system of this kind raises a host of complex legal, technical, and governance issues. We are therefore delighted to have retained KPMG to help us successfully navigate our way through all of these details with a view to having everything in place before the end of 2017.”

As well as providing consumers with a single process whereby they can self-exclude themselves from all online gambling operators, the NOSES website will also set out other measures that are available to help people to manage their gambling and will signpost specialist advice and support services for those who might benefit from them.

Paul Hope, programme director at UKGC, said: “We are very pleased that the RGA is developing the scheme on behalf of the online sector. The Commission will work with the RGA to achieve our shared objective of a scheme that is focused on what works best for people that would benefit from using it.”

Related article: Under new management: the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme