New guidance has been updated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) relating to the fair and transparent terms and practices used by licensed online casinos. The updated version is to stop unfair consumer practices.
The UKGC Updates Their T&C's Guidance
The Commission reported that licensees have been using terms of play that could be deemed unfair, labelling their recent update as "necessary". They stated that in some cases, it would provide operators with "undue discretion" in deciding outcomes and disputes.
The UKGC has highlighted discretions regarding terms that "allow licensees to confiscate customers' un-stake deposits". They also looked at "the treatment of customers' funds where a licensee believes there has been illegal, irregular or fraudulent play".
The UKGC stamps down on unfair consumer practises and issues new guidance on terms and conditions for online operators.
The Commission highlighted further concerns regarding operators reducing potential winnings on open bets and online games. The current terms entitled licensees to void real winnings if a player had inadvertently broken their staking rules.
Player-Friendly Terms
Part of the requirements means that online casinos must be able to prove that they have applied their terms and conditions in a fair and transparent manner. The new guidance issued by the UKGC states that operators' terms and conditions must be transparent with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
A spokesperson from the UKGC said, "The contractual terms on which gambling is offered and any consumer notices relating to gambling activity must be transparent within the meaning of the Consumer Rights Act 2015."
They also said that "customers must be notified of material changes to terms before they come into effect."
Operators Must Take Action
The new guidance also means that licensed operators have been urged to review their offers, such as bonuses and wagering requirements. They must comply with the Commission's code of practice when it comes to 'Rewards, Bonuses, and other marketing requirements'.
Further comments from the Commission said, "You must adhere to the CMA's principles to demonstrate compliance with licence conditions and to ensure that gambling is provided fairly. This is in line with the second licensing objective of ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly".
