UKGC calls for advice on customer interactions, ADR & gambling blockers

Calling on all industry operators and stakeholders to participate in its latest consultation, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has sought advice, information and knowledge on the following three disciplines:

1. Safeguarding customer interactions – The Commission seeks to asses how gambling businesses identify and interact to help customers who may be at risk of or experiencing harms associated with gambling.
2. Developing an ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Scheme’ – How should the UK betting industry implement an effective ADR Scheme, governing customer complaints and dispute resolutions.
3. Gambling ‘Software Blockers’ – The UKGC calls for initial insight and evidence on developing and introducing ‘free-to-access’ blocking software for UK consumers.

In its update, the UKGC explained that the above disciplines will form part of its 2019 research agenda, which aims to develop the UK as the world’ the fairest and safest gambling marketplace.

Continuing its 2018 leadership mandate, the UKGC urges for wider betting/gambling’s stakeholders – such as local businesses, consumers, community advisors – to participate in its consultations which aim to reduce gambling harms and protect consumers.

Paul Hope, Gambling Commission Executive Director, said: “We would like as many people as possible to have their say on these two consultations and the call for evidence. The proposed changes are intended to accelerate progress in protecting consumers and preventing them from experiencing gambling-related harm.

“Making gambling fairer and safer is at the heart of how we regulate and better customer interaction, higher ADR standards and facilitating readily available blocking software are all part of this.”