When dealing with an industry so ever-evolving and flourishing such as online gambling, it is not always rainbows and butterflies. 

Neither is it all just sit-back-and-relax. Quite the contrary, being in control and dictating the tempo of the gaming market can be a rather exhausting and complex task to handle. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the head of the mission in the United Kingdom online gambling market and it has implemented some serious changes in the past few months. These alterations are bound to bring about certain transformations in operators’ approach, which will ultimately result in an overall modification of the market and the industry itself.

The UKGC is the leader among regulatory bodies in iGaming. Ever since the conception of the sector, being granted a licence issued by the UKGC meant a tremendous honour for an online casino. Simply put, boasting a permit to operate and being verified by this supervisor translates into being considered trustworthy, reliable and completely safe for clients. This security can be hard to maintain at times, as particular issues that are out of the superintendent’s hands can take place.

Taking Radical Measures

Gambling illegally and not complying with the basic terms and conditions of every reputable online casino unfortunately still occurs from time to time. For that reason, the regulator is taking more serious action to suppress these problems to the core and get rid of them for good.

In April this year, the UKGC published a new 3-year business plan with regard to its previous manoeuvres aimed at decreasing harms caused by gambling, educating players as well as improving customer interaction. 

The new plan will see the realization of five principal priorities: interests of consumers, preventing gambling harm to both public and consumers, raising the standards of the gambling market, optimizing returns to good causes from lotteries, and improving the way they regulate. A series of projects has already been launched, especially those prioritising the protection of younger clientele, understanding that they are more prone to dangerous impacts of gambling compared to other demographics.

What this means for the British market is a mild switch in focus and stricter regulations enforced onto operators. 

One of the conducts encompasses the supervising authority deploying more rigorous identity checks for every licensee. In other words, whilst every online gambling location has to require a document vouchsafing for the customer’s identity upon registration to the website, an additional controlling procedure will be integrated. As part of the newly established strategy, remote betting and gaming operators will be demanded to perform supplementary checks on the age and identity verification. 

These renewed LCCP (Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice) changes will also see some remote lotteries apply the new Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.2.13 for age verification. Concentrating on performing the checks quickly and robustly, the rule making body will warrant enhanced preservation from frauds and swindles of any kind. 

In Defence of the Rightful

This is to ensure players’ safety and to guarantee that all gambling activity taking place at the premises is lawful and fair. By no means does this mean that clients will benefit from their hobby no more. On the contrary, those obeying the basic principles and the code of honour will certainly keep their winnings, regardless of these turns. The UKGC thus highlighted that no online casino can claim the right to confiscate any customer’s funds in case the said gambler has fulfilled all wagering and other relevant requirements.

All in all, the amendment will be taking effect in order to assure the safeguard of those participating in online gambling de jure, and to secure that operators treat clientele with respect they thoroughly deserve.

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