CMA launches investigation into online gambling in the U.K.

[The Buzz]

The Competition and Markets Authority, the UK's primary competition and consumer authority, announced it is investigating whether online gambling firms are treating their customers fairly.

The CMA is today issuing Information Notices under consumer protection legislation requiring evidence from companies as a first step to establishing whether enforcement action is required. It is also asking people who use gambling sites and have experienced such issues to provide us with further material.

Nisha Arora, CMA Senior Director for Consumer Enforcement, said:

Gambling inevitably involves taking a risk, but it shouldn’t be a con. We’re worried players are losing out because gambling sites are making it too difficult for them to understand the terms on which they’re playing, and may not be giving them a fair deal. We are now investigating to see whether firms are breaking the law.

Around 5.5 million Britons gamble online and they must be treated fairly. We’ve heard worrying complaints suggesting people may be lured into signing up for promotions with little chance of winning because of unfair and complex conditions. We’re now working closely with the Gambling Commission to examine this more closely.

Read the entire announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/c...nline-gambling

[wonderpunter]

About time, the grey area offshore bookies treat players better than the licensed ones

[universal4]

In addition to the fine print in the terms and bonus terms, I hope they also look very closely at bonus amounts advertised as opposed to what is actually provided.

Rick
Universal4

[ocreditor]

unfair and complex conditions.

The title of the biggest problem with so many brands... It's good the UK is taking this path and leading to change for the benefit of UK citizens and this should be an example for other countries as well !

[David_Allegro]

I work with, and have worked with, a lot of online casinos and it baffles me how 90x and higher wagering requirements are legal. If a market, such as the UK, is going to regulate, the wagering requirement should be capped. In my opinion, anything over 50 is taking advantage of players.

[ocreditor]

I've also seen 100x WR.. can't remember the name of the brand unfortunately

[Doolally]

It's a step in the right direction and should be welcomed by players.

I guess we can only dream of a global gaming authority sorting things like this out globally.

[Pokerface]

Is this being applied to UK licenced sites or non-licenced also? Regardless it is a good step to ensure fairness and reasonable practices. I agree with the above comment that 50x - 90x wagering is ridiculous and really taking advantage of players. Looking forward to hearing the outcome of the investigation.

[Sherlock]

It's a step in the right direction and should be welcomed by players.

I guess we can only dream of a global gaming authority sorting things like this out globally.

There is nothing wrong with a bit of masochist humour in the morning.