The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is about to go through an investigation launched by the Parliamentary All-Party Betting & Gaming Group (APBGG). One of the reasons that inspired the APBGG inquiry was a handful of operators claiming to be “too scared” to share their concerns about the regulator.
The UKGC has also been criticised by numerous members of the industry for quite a few years. According to Scott Benton MP, co-chair of the APBGG, despite the high number of complaints, many operators were feeling too scared to be public about their frustration with the Commission as the regulatory body acts beyond its powers.
Complaints About Power Abuse Motivate Inquiry on UKGC’s Competence
Some of the complaints against the UKGC accused the body of overstepping its authority as a regulator and breaching its code. Companies involved in the industry believe that the quality of the Commission’s service is either poor or the regulatory body is not competent in doing its job properly. Prompted by the complaints of gambling operators, the APBGG launched an inquiry on the UKGC’s competence. This review is launched just as the 2005 Gambling Act is also going through a revision.
Scott Benton MP shared that the APBGG has received complaints about the UKGC for years. While different operators were concerned with the way the regulatory body was fulfilling its duties, they were too scared to come forward with their complaints. The APBGG felt as they needed to take some action as operators had no other way to formally address these issues apart from turning to the Commission itself.
A spokesman for the UKGC shared that the regulator is striving to achieve a fairer, safer, and free from crimes gambling environment. This is why the Commission is always willingly engaging with members of the Parliament and other groups involved in the gambling regulation in the UK.
APBGG Gives Operators Chance to File Complaints Against UKGC
Since the APBGG has launched its investigation into the UKGC’s competence, it will allow licensed operators to issue their complaints. There are three main categories that can summarize the issues operators may experience due to the Commission’s incompetence. The first type of complaint is concerned with whether the regulator has overstepped its powers as a regulator. The next concern is about the Commission breaching the Regulators Code, and the last type of complaint can be filed if operators believe the regulatory body has offered its services poorly or was incompetent in delivering its services.
The APBGG has set 31 October 2021 as the deadline for filing complaints. The final result of the inquiry will be presented to the DCMS and it will be considered a part of the 2005 Gambling Act review if there are enough complaints. The parliamentary group will also invite the UKGC’s CEO to participate in the inquiry, with the group also publishing its review on its official website. Despite that, the APBGG will drop the investigation with the proviso that the group fails to receive a sufficient number of complaints by the end of October.
- Author
Daniel Williams
