Gambling Commission announces delays on social responsibility initiatives

Back in April, the UK gaming regulator announced a raft of changes would soon be made to the organization’s social responsibility code, the charter of gambling harm prevention standards for UK-based operators. However, the original implementation date of 12^th September has now been pushed back, with the Commission opting to engage in a six-week consultation period before launching the new rules.

The planned amendments are targeted specifically around remote customer interactions, and how companies can reduce the risk of problem gambling through preventative action. The GC will highlight a set list of typical indicators of harmful play, with gaming firms expected to proactively monitor customers who are engaging in such behaviours. Operators will be tasked with logging all instances where players appear to be at risk, and share this information, along with any measures taken, to the Gambling Commission upon request.

Furthermore, new regulations determine that iGaming platforms cannot permit problem gamblers to embrace site promotions and bonus offers, and must curtail any direct marketing to such customers.

However, both of these substantial changes, slated for a mid-September launch, have now been shelved until a six-week consultation with market stakeholders has taken place. In reference to their decision to delay the incorporation of these important new rules, the Commission stated, ‘’The guidance is a living document which is intended to be amended over time. As part of the consultation, we will be particularly interested to hear about good practice in implementing the requirements, based on the lessons learned by operators during the period between April and September and to hear about any implications arising out of recent research, evidence, and casework.’’

The timeline currently suggests that consultation will begin towards the end of September, with a refined set of regulations published before the end of 2022. The GC has confirmed that the guidance will formally land on 12^th February 2023.