Regulation round-up 16 August 2016
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (10 August to 16 August 2016)
RGA recruits KPMG to launch self-exclusion scheme
National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme set to be in place by end of 2017
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has appointed KPMG to help develop the scheme which will enable punters to self-exclude themselves from all Great British Gambling Commission licensed online operators.
KPMG will develop and implement the RGA’s National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme (NOSES), an idea which was first floated in 2014.
The scheme will also set out other measures available to help people to manage their gambling and provide specialist advice and support services for those who might benefit from them.
RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood hoped the scheme would be in place “before the end of 2017”.
“Self-exclusion can be a vitally important tool, especially for problem gamblers or those who are at risk of developing problems,” said Hawkswood.
“Self-exclusions have long been offered on a company basis, but in terms of consumer protection it will be a huge step forward to have a single national scheme of the type envisaged by government and the Gambling Commission,” he added.
Senet Group names former online dating regulator as chief exec
The Senet Group has named George Kidd as its new chief executive with immediate effect, the self-regulatory body confirmed this week.
The new chief exec replaces Ron Finlay, who left earlier this year after resigning from the Group.
Kidd has held numerous regulation and self-regulation roles, including his most recent as chair of the Direct Marketing Commission.
Seven days in regulation:
eSports betting operators must improve player protection, says Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission has launched a discussion paper setting out its latest thinking on eSports and virtual currencies as it seeks industry feedback on the emerging issues.
In the paper, the Commission highlights the growing size of the eSports betting market and calls on operators to beef up protections on match fixing and problem gambling in the sector.
Australian regulator commits to in-play ban
Australia’s Northern Territory Racing Commission has ended hopes it may reverse its decision to ban in-play betting online after instructing operators to stop offering âclick-to-call’ products within 28 days.
Last Wednesday, the regulator’s chairman John McBride sent a letter, seen by eGaming Review, to inform all online operators licensed in the state of its final decision.
ASA slams Coral for “misleading” promoted tweet
Coral has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) for misleading customers about how free bet winnings would be paid out.
The bookmaker sent out a promoted tweet in April containing an image alongside the text: “The easiest £40 you’ll make this week! Stake £5 on 5/4 Real Madrid to beat Man City and get paid out at 8/1”.
A member of the public complained that the tweet suggested the winnings would be paid in cash, and the ASA agreed, ruling the tweet was “misleading”.