The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has asked the gaming industry to weigh in on its proposed amendments to its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act) looms. Among other things, the UKGC is eyeing the removal of its own list of approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers.
The Changes Will Align the UKGC with the DMCC Act
The UKGC’s proposed updates seek to align it with the DMCC Act. As the act prepares to move accreditation for ADR providers to the Secretary of State, the UKGC is considering ending its list of approved ADR providers. The British regulator is similarly eyeing the deletion of the LCCP footnote that directs licensees to said list.
The DMCC Act, for context, is a new UK law that seeks to reinforce consumer rights and protections while improving access to ADR. The new law revoked and replaced the previous Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPUTR) 2008.
Under the DMCC Act, the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations (ADRR) 2015 will be revoked and replaced with entirely new provisions.
The UKGC is therefore considering proposed changes to the LCCP, which will align it with the new law. The regulator said that the amendments in question mark changes in legislation and will not extend beyond the legal obligation of licensees. As a result, gaming licensees will still be required to provide free access to ADR, although future ADR providers will be operating under a different framework.
UK Invited the Public to Weigh in
The UKGC has now launched consultations on its planned changes. The regulator clarified that the changes will “amend or remove wording” in its LCCP, replacing it with references to the new act.
The British regulator encouraged all industry shareholders, including consumers, operators and members of the public, to weigh in on the matter.
These views will help us decide if we have considered all the required changes and made the appropriate amendments.
UKGC statement
UK Horse Racing Sector Cancels Sep. 10 Meetings
Speaking of the UK, the British horse racing industry continues to adamantly protest the country’s proposed alignment of all online gaming taxes. Industry shareholders insisted that the change would have a devastating effect on the UK’s second-largest spectator sport, potentially leading to the loss of thousands of jobs.
To highlight its opposition to the mulled changes, the British Horseracing Authority made the unprecedented decision to voluntarily cancel all September 10 meetings.