UKGC Is Updating Its Terms and Conditions Policy to Put an End to Unfair Consumption Practices

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: March 2, 2022

The UK Gambling Commission T&Cs Guidance has been updated after the Commission discovered that licensees were using biased or vague terms.

The UKGC has recently discovered that some license holders are using unfair and non-transparent practices and requested all license holders to learn, understand and guarantee that they will obey this new policy in the future.

The UKGC is the most stringent betting regulator in the worldwide iGaming business. UKGC discovered that license holder operators in their jurisdiction are using terms and conditions that may be considered inappropriate, non-transparent, or leave casinos or online platforms free rein as to when and where they use his terms and conditions. The UKGC, which recently appointed a new chairman, is concerned about provisions that enable license holders to seize unused payments or promote excessive gambling when betting on rewards and advertisements.

Many T&Cs, particularly those relating to prizes, are not transparent and do not provide proper opportunities for participants. Bonuses with high betting conditions and only a few days left to expire will inspire users to keep making deposits in hopes of meeting the conditions and winning the prize.

Many of the conditions also give the online bookmakers complete freedom to decide when the decisions take effect. Irregular actions are a common activity that occurs when a bookmaker decides not to process withdrawals.

The UKGC consistently operates in the best interests of participants. Although, some argue that the controller makes it hard for platforms to function well in the United Kingdom. 

However, user safety is the first priority. And as such, UKGC is committed to ensuring that its authorized operator provides a secure, fair, and respected platform for United Kingdom users.

Examples of Provisions That the Commission Considers Unfair or Unclear

The UKGC has published several examples of T&Cs received from licensed operators that need to be modified.

• Any T&C that allows the owner to lose unused deposits.
• Provisions on how licensed operators will dine clients and their money if they “believe” that a client has been gambling improperly, unfairly, or falsely.
• Any terms and conditions of promotions that allow the license holders to lose previously earned real money if the client inadvertently or unknowingly violates any maximum bid limit or rule.
• The T&C allows operators to unfairly lower the potential winnings on open bets.
• The unclear terms and conditions are confusing and/or opaque.
• Promotions and bonuses (especially welcome bonuses) with betting conditions may urge users to wager too much.

Expectations From Licensees

In a stern warning to any license holders whose T&Cs are possibly unclear or unfair, the Commission has urged all operators to check their own terms and conditions to confirm they are in compliance. They have been asked to review their UK Gambling Commission consumer protection law provisions, licensing conditions, and code of conduct, as well as the Commission’s recently updated guidelines.

Finally, the UKGC advises all clients to reach an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider if they are not comfortable with a licensee’s action or reply to a complaint.