Online betting giants were ordered to play fair with their punters by the gambling regulator yesterday.(Thurs)
Three major operators were told to stop offering promotions that suck in customers but then stop them getting their money.
Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment have now promised to halt what the Competition and Markets Authority called ‘unfair online promotions that trap players’ money.’
The embarrassment for the firms and the way they draw punters into their casino-style websites comes at a time of deepening scrutiny of the gambling industry. There has been growing criticism of intense advertising of betting sites, particular surrounding football and televised football.
Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment have now promised to halt what the Competition and Markets Authority called ‘unfair online promotions that trap players’ money.’
Ministers are also considering curbs on the £100-a-throw stakes offered by fixed odds betting terminals in betting shops, which have been accused of encouraging problem gambling and crime.
The CMA launched an investigation into the methods used in promotions for online casinos together with the Gambling Commission watchdog in 2016. It said problems were ‘common across the £4.7 billion online gambling sector.’
The promotions involved are those which offer bonus stake money on top of the bets paid for by customers.
Some have forced gamblers to play multiple times before they can get their money out; some have vaguely-phrased restrictions which mean players can be parted from their money; and some have called on players to take part in publicity before they get their money.
The CMA said there was ‘particular concern people could be made to play for longer than they had bargained for before being able to withdraw their own money.’
It said there are investigations still going on into practices such as forcing players to take money in small instalments over a long period of time, or the confiscation of a punter’s funds if he or she has not played for a few months.
CMA inquiry chief George Lusty said: ‘Gambling always carries a risk, but players should never face unfair restrictions that prevent them from getting at their money. Firms mustn’t stack the odds against players, by putting unfair obstacles in their way, or making it difficult for them to stop gambling when they want to.
‘We welcome the commitment from these leading firms to address the problems our investigation uncovered, by making important changes to their terms and conditions. We now expect others to follow, and look forward to the Gambling Commission’s continued work to make sure all operators in this sector play fair with their customers’ money.’
The embarrassment for the firms and the way they draw punters into their casino-style websites comes at a time of deepening scrutiny of the gambling industry
A spokesman for Ladbrokes Coral said the firm ‘welcomes the conclusion of this CMA review and believes the outcome represents a significant step forward for the industry, and for customers, by improving transparency and clarity.
‘We recognised that things had unintentionally gone too far and therefore worked with the CMA and Gambling Commission to find a way to address their concerns. It is never comfortable being in the spotlight on these sorts of issues but we are pleased that a way forward has now been identified and are committed to ensuring we meet the standards set.’
William Hill said in a statement: ‘As one of the largest online betting and gaming brands in the UK, William Hill has worked with the CMA to ensure that its concerns have been fully met. We welcome the standards and principles that the CMA has outlined and we look forward to their adoption across the industry.’