UK Gambling Commission unveils new regulation penalties

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has unveiled on Wednesday its new enforcement strategy, for gambling operators who violate the terms of their licensing agreements to face higher penalties. The plans include to reduce the possibility for the operator to renew his licence.

The strategy came into force since Wednesday, following a three-month consultation with industry stakeholders entitled “Changes to our enforcement strategy: putting the consumer first”. The UKGC urged all operators active in the UK market to familiarise themselves with the updated policy.

Also, the UKGC intends to place all regulatory tools, including reviews to operator licences and personal management licences, on a level playing field, removing the current bias in favor of the settlement.

The Chief executive of the UKGC, Sarah Harrison, said: “We will use the full range of enforcement powers to ensure operators put customers first and raise standards.” “The industry can be assured that we will use our powers in a targeted way, and consumers and the public can be assured we will take robust and effective action when gambling companies don’t meet their obligations.”

Harrison added: “This enforcement policy will set tougher sanctions for operators who repeatedly or systemically fail their customers.” “We want to work with operators who want to raise standards; we will take tough action against those who fail customers. Operators who persistently fail customers will face a hostile response from the regulator.”