Gambling Commission urges reverse withdrawal block in new Covid-19 standards
Regulator unveils new safer gambling guidance as data displays increase in online gambling sessions of more than one hour
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published new Covid-19 guidance for operators which includes the cancellation of reverse withdrawals and the cessation of bonus offers to at-risk players.
Under the new guidance, licensed operators are advised to block reverse withdrawals for customers until further notice and must not offer bonuses or promotions to customers displaying any indicators of harm.
Several other measures, including a review of existing harm triggers for new customers, are included in the guidance while the UKGC has also called on operators to increase monitoring of players to ascertain a greater understanding of how player habits have changed during the coronavirus lockdown.
In addition to the main changes on bonusing and withdrawals, the UKGC has further called on operators to interact with players who have gambled for more than one hour in a single session to mitigate any potential gambling-related harm which may occur.
The regulatory advice comes after widespread calls from government for greater oversight of online gamblers during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Addressing the withdrawal reversals, Rightlander founder Ian Sims said on LinkedIn: “This is arguably the single best thing I’ve seen since regulations began. It’s been a huge point of contention for years. And not only will that help build player trust, it will also kill off some of the threat from unlicensed operators.
“That one has definitely come from people who understand problem gambling and not politicians,” he added.
The UKGC had been challenged to produce data on gambling levels during the lockdown by both DCMS and the Gambling-Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
However, the UKGC insists there is no evidence to suggest an increase in problem gambling since the lockdown began, instead citing an increase in activity across certain verticals including online casino and virtual sports.
Citing evidence based on data from YouGov, the UKGC said 64% of regular, more-engaged gamblers had increased their gambling online during lockdown. However, this figure includes playing the UK National Lottery.
The regulator also revealed data on time spent gambling, which shows a decrease in overall session length but an increase in the number of sessions played for more than one hour.
UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said it was vital that operators monitor their customers during this period of economic uncertainty.
“We will continue to monitor and publish the data that we are collecting, and we will take further measures if required,” said McArthur. ”We are monitoring online operators closely and, if we see irresponsible behaviour, we will step in immediately, suspending licences if we need to,” he added.
The UKGC has instructed online operators to adhere to the new standards as soon as possible. It will also issue a consultation on whether to adopt these measures permanently.
Regulators in markets including Sweden have introduced measures to restrict bonuses as part of a public health response to the coronavirus pandemic.