The Gambling Commission publishes information guide for internet gamblers
Press release
Date: 22 December
2008
In a new publication the Gambling Commission is advising online
gamblers what to look out for when gambling on the internet.
The leaflet which is titled ‘What to look out for when gambling
online’ warns online gamblers to ensure the website they are using
is licensed by a gambling regulator. It also says that before
starting to gamble, people should be aware of the terms and
conditions offered by individual websites and their complaints
procedure.
A small but increasing proportion of British adults gamble
online according to the Commission’s figures. In the year to
September 2008 almost 1 in 10 adults gambled via a computer, mobile
phone or through interactive digital television. Since taking
on the regulation of all forms of remote gambling in September 2007
the Commission has been surprised at the lack of basic knowledge
amongst players.
Julia Mackisack, Director of Corporate Affairs, said:
“British-based operators licensed by the Gambling Commission must
have policies and procedures in place to promote responsible
gambling – and this includes allowing people to limit their
gambling and exclude from gambling websites if they feel they are
developing or have a gambling problem.
“However, it’s not safe to assume that a .co.uk website is
necessarily regulated by the Gambling Commission. Many of the
calls we get come from individuals gambling on websites located
outside Great Britain and therefore not under our
jurisdiction.
“People should also look carefully at where different gambling
products are regulated. Just because the Commission regulates
the betting section of a website it does not mean it also regulates
the bingo, casino, and poker products.
“Our leaflet serves as a useful guide to the potential pitfalls
for those considering gambling online as well as existing gamblers.
And we recommend to everyone that they read the small print before
signing up to a gambling website.”
Notes to editors
The Gambling Commission
- 1. The Commission keeps gambling fair and safe for all. It does
so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is
conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and
vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The
Commission also provides independent advice to government on
gambling in Britain.
- 2. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating
all gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and
spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National
Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA)
respectively.
- 3. As of November 2008 164 gambling operators are licensed by
the Gambling Commission to offer remote gambling via a website. The
Commission requires licensed operators licensed in Great Britain to
keep gambling fair and safe through social responsibility measures,
technical standards and by having fully documented complaints
procedures.
- 4. Further details of the leaflet are available on the website.
- 5. Further details of the Commission’s figures on remote
gambling are available.
Further information
Further information is available from the Commission’s
website.
What to look out for when gambling online - November 2008
Contact John Travers on (0121) 230 6700 or email communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.