The U.K. Gambling Commission published a 134-page consultation document last week titled "License Conditions and Terms of Practice," which lays out a number of provisions that prospective licensed gambling operators will be expected to abide by to accomplish the government's three main aims: eradicating crime, keeping gambling fair and open and protecting children and the vulnerable. Some of the provisions lay out guidelines specifically for online gambling operations, while others are to be followed by casino, bingo club, lottery and gaming machine operators as well.
The document includes sets of rules regarding the regulatory framework of the Gambling Act 2005, the licensing process, technical standards, financial requirements, consumer protection, fairness and openness, marketing, dispute resolution, the employees of gambling operators, special cases, gambling commission activities and public registers of license holders and premises.
"Our new rules are all designed to keep crime out of gambling, to make sure it is fair and open and to protect children and vulnerable people," Peter Dean, chairman of the Gambling Commission, explained. "Combating problem gambling is particularly important to us; this is the first time the commission has had the power to do something about it, and we intend to use that power to maximum effect. We've drawn from international experience to make sure the standards of social responsibility amongst gambling operators will be the highest in the world."
Some of the key points for online gambling operators include:
All gambling operators must publish their procedures and policies from promoting socially responsible gambling, which must include contributions to gambling research, public education, and problem gambling treatment.
Information about responsible gambling and how problem gamblers can get help must be available from the homepage and login pages of online gambling sites.
In cases where a customer displays clear signs of problem gambling an operator must bar the customer. The operator must also provide mechanisms allowing customers to bar themselves.
Online gambling operators must ensure that customers are aware of how much time and money they have spent.
Operators must train their staff about problem gambling and dealing with affected customers.
Online gambling operators must carry out random credit card checks and make filtering software available to adults who wish to block access by minors.
Said Dean, "We will monitor all British gambling operators to make sure they comply with our rules. We have the power to fine or revoke the licenses of those who fail to do so, and to prosecute illegal gambling. We won't hesitate to use these powers if need be."
The document is a consultation draft, and its rules are, therefore, not set in stone. Interested or concerned parties are welcome to review the draft and submit comments to the commission until June 2, 2006. The finalized "License Conditions and Codes of Practice" will not come into effect until September 2007 when the Gambling Act 2005 comes fully into force.
The commission also published a policy paper on problem gambling last week explaining the background and context to the commission's thinking as it develops its policies for the future.
Documents
License Conditions and Codes of Practice
Problem Gambling Issues Paper