Latest News from the UK Gambling Commission
September is off to a flying start, and as usual, the UKGC has been active on all fronts. Take a moment to catch up with the latest news and press releases from the Commission with Casinowings.
Camelot’s Lottery License Challenge Withdrawn
The Camelot Group has withdrawn its legal challenge over the licensing decision made by the UKGC in March this year, which awarded the fourth lottery permit to Allwyn Entertainment. The decision ended Camelot’s 28-year tenure as the official UK lottery operator and led to a series of legal challenges by the company, which questioned the fairness of the decision.
The case was first heard at the High Court in April, leading to Allwyn’s license being temporarily suspended during the proceedings. The court lifted the suspension in June, and the case moved to the Court of Appeals.
The appeal was due to be ruled on next month. However, Allwyn revealed this week that Camelot has withdrawn. The claim from IGT, which was brought together with Camelot, still appears active. Allwyn has agreed to waive all costs for damages and welcomes Camelot’s decision, and “is excited at the prospect of becoming the custodian of Europe’s biggest lottery.”
New Remote Customer Interaction Requirements for Remote Licensees
From September 12th, all UKGC remote licence holders (lottery operators excluded) must implement the new Social Responsibility Code (provision 3.4.3), which is included in the Licensing Conditions and Code of Practice. The new requirements aim to protect better and identify players experiencing gambling harm.
The new rules build on findings from the Commission, which showed that while operators could interact with players experiencing gambling harm, often they didn’t or were too slow to take action, resulting in more significant damage.
The rules provide complete guidance on identifying the indicators of harm and the steps operators must take when interacting with players, including automated actions for severe cases and manual processes for early-stage indicators. Operators will also be responsible for evidencing their interactions and evaluating if they have worked, reporting to the Commission upon request. The rules also include a ban on marketing and the uptake of bonuses where appropriate.
