As the global demand for, betting, and gaming continues to rise, driven by the growing availability of sports betting, casino games, and wagering apps, it is important for gambling businesses to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
While the UK gambling industry continues to make significant efforts to protect vulnerable customers, customer disputes are increasingly common. One example of increased customer support which impacts operators is the introduction of a mandatory levy to fund addiction treatment.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling refers to ensuring that gambling is provided in compliance with the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. Operators are required to offer information and tools to encourage safer gambling and to have policies and procedures in place to identify and protect vulnerable persons from gambling related harm.
How are Gambling Customers Protected?
Gambling operators are required under the provisions of the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) to comply with various Codes, including the mandatory Social Responsibility Code, and procedures in place to identify and protect vulnerable persons from gambling related harm.
The Social Responsibility Code
– Complete identification checks to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering legislation.
-Complete verification processes to ensure that access to betting, gaming and gambling services are only granted to individuals over the age of 18.
-Complete investigations into the source of funds used to gamble to ensure that customers are betting within their means.
-Assist potentially vulnerable individuals by informing them of the relevant gambling tools which may help them with gambling problems.
Do Breaches of the Social Responsibility Code Still Happen?
In April 2024, Bet365 were found to have had anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures discovered during a Commission compliance assessment in March 2022. This resulted in a regulatory settlement of £582,120 which will be will be directed towards socially responsible causes.
Between December 2021 and January 2022 after an investigation, Betfred were revealed to have social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures. This resulted in Betfred making a £3.25 million settlement payment with the Gambling Commission. This will go to social responsibility causes.
These instances serve as a reminder of the importance of complying with the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. However, if you do find yourself in a similar position, our specialist Gambling solicitors are here to help.
Related Expertise
Why Choose Us?
Terrells has been established for over thirty years and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We have many years of experience in a range of legal matters within our team, as specialist gambling solicitors, we have considerable experience in dealing with legal matters relating to betting and gaming.
We offer transparent and pragmatic advice in dispute resolution, corporate issues and regulatory matters.
Every member of our team is trained to handle a range of legal issues, with a select few specialist solicitors who specialise in gambling and betting law:
Andrew Needleman – Consultant Solicitor
Andrew qualified as a solicitor in 1980, is a highly experienced litigator, and has dealt with a range of gambling matters.
Read more about Andrew and our team here >
Joe Monaghan – Trainee Solicitor
Joe specialises in commercial acquisitions, licensed betting and regulatory compliance in the gambling and gaming niche.
Read more about Joe and our team here >
Gambling Law FAQs
The Gambling Commission is the organisation that regulates gambling in Great Britain, providing gambling licences as well as regulations and advice/guidance for both individuals and gambling operators.
The best way to raise a dispute is to get in touch with one of our specialist gambling solicitors and we can discuss your case.
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