Algorithm Systems

Request

Algorithm systems that the poker sites in the UK use.

Response

Thank you for your request which has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

In your email you have made reference to the algorithm systems that the poker sites in the UK use. You have specifically requested information relating to the third party regulator who audits the sites to ensure that they act fairly.

Section 21 of the FOIA provides that information is exempt where it is reasonably accessible elsewhere. Games, including poker, must be independently tested by one of the Commission’s approved test houses before they are made available to the public. Details can be found in our testing strategy and Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS). Our testing strategy sets out a requirement for an annual audit to be conducted by an approved test house to review updates and RTP monitoring. Part of the requirement for RTP monitoring is to investigate any customer complaints that indicate an issue and provide an explanation.

As well as our testing requirements for games the Commission also conducts compliance assessments of licensees. This is following numerous checks of the company and ultimate beneficial owners at licensing stage. Further details on the licensing and compliance of gambling operators can be found on our website, such as Licensees Hub.

The Commission also monitors complaints received directly as well as those that are sent to alternate dispute resolution (ADR) services. This will include any complaints that are escalated after contacting a gambling operator. If we have sufficient information about an issue with an operator that we feel needs to be pursued, we will commence a dialogue with the operator and determine whether any action may be necessary.

Review of the decision

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your Freedom of Information request you are entitled to an internal review of our decision. You should write to FOI Team, Gambling Commission, 4th floor, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP or by reply to this email.

Please note, internal review requests should be made within 40 working days of the initial response. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.

If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have already exhausted the review procedure provided by the Gambling Commission.

The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office (opens in a new tab), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Information Management Team
Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B2 4BP