The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced the introduction of an online service which allows individuals to send confidential reports regarding gambling-related criminal or suspicious activity. The Commission outlined what type of issues can warrant reporting in both the announcement and the “Tell us something in confidence” web page itself. The said problems are covered within the UK’s Gambling Act 2005.
The first issues outlined in the UKGC’s announcement have to do with match-fixing and the integrity of sports betting. According to the regulator’s website, these terms have to do with the anti-consumer practice of manipulating the results of a given sporting event with the aim of making money via wagering. Individuals may also alert the UKGC to problems pertaining to underage gambling. Money laundering is another example of problematic activity, and factors designated as suspicious activity, unlicensed gambling, and criminal deeds are also a part of the list.
This announcement was made just days after the UKGC commenced the second phase of its White Paper consultations. The Commission encouraged industry players and consumers alike to share their views on a number of changes that the watchdog is planning to introduce to UK gambling legislation, but this set of proposed changes did not concern activity currently seen as suspicious or criminal under the Gambling Act 2005. Instead, the topics outlined included the responsible implementation of bonuses, a proposal to require all licensees to send regulatory return submissions on a quarterly baisis, and more.
Reports Can Include Documents and Other Useful Information
After giving users a set of activities and factors that can be reported via the new system, the UKGC noted that this is a “one-stop service” and that those who wish to alert the regulator to potential issues may also provide photographs, documents, or other pieces of information that could be of use to the Commission and assist in making sure that the proper measures can be taken should the issue be confirmed as legitimate. One may also provide the UKGC with even more data by sending it via either email or post. Users can also give the regulator their own email or other contact details if they welcome correspondence from the UKGC regarding the information provided. Moreover, those who would prefer to alert the commission to potential criminal or suspicious activity via the already existing confidential telephone service will still be able to do so.
Crucially, the commission did emphasise that this service is not meant to be utilised for user complaints regarding specific gambling operators. The UKGC has a separate guide outlining how consumers must approach these types of complaints. In contrast to the confidential reporting service, the process of complaining about a casino or betting business first involves reading the operator’s terms and following the respective complaints procedure of the gambling website or the land-based establishment involved. Then, if one is not satisfied with the result of their complaint, they can get in touch with the operator’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider.
- Author
Daniel Williams
