Consultation response
Summer 2023 consultation – Proposed changes to LCCP and RTS: Consultation Response
This response sets out our position in relation to the consultation on the proposed changes to LCCP and Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards.
Contents
- Executive summary
- Summary of topics
- Topic 1 - Improving customer choice on direct marketing: Consultation Response
- Topic 2 - Strengthening age verification in premises: Consultation Response
- Topic 3 - Game design: Consultation Response
- Topic 4 - Financial vulnerability checks: Consultation Response and Financial risk assessments pilot: Consultation Response
- Topic 5 - Personal Management Licence: Consultation Response
- Topic 6 - Changes to Regulatory Panels: Consultation Response
- Evaluating the impact of relevant changes
- Annex
Summary - Improving customer choice on direct marketing
During summer 2023 we consulted on a proposed change to our Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) (opens in new tab) to provide customers with increased preferences to control the gambling direct marketing they receive by product types (for example betting, bingo and casino) and channel (for example email, SMS).
This followed the publication of the government’s White Paper (opens in new tab) which set out expectations that the Gambling Commission will consult on setting higher standards for operators in obtaining all customers’ consent to direct marketing and promotional offers.
The aim of our consultation was to extend the principles of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (opens in new tab) (PECR), which require a very high bar, and granular level of consent to send direct acquisition e-marketing to new and existing customers.
We proposed this across all sectors and gambling products to explore options to give customers increased preferences for direct marketing across all of their gambling. We have since conducted further research which has highlighted that some gamblers may use offers received through direct marketing as an incentive to begin gambling on new products; the research identified potential risks associated with this behaviour.
After analysing responses and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, we have amended the scope of this requirement so that it only applies to remote gambling operators, who are responsible for the most direct gambling marketing.
The new requirement will come into force on 1 May 2025. This date, along with paragraph 6 of the SR code, was updated on the 27 August 2024. You can read more about the update and implementation extension to upcoming SR Code - 5.1.12 here.
Last updated: 27 August 2024
Show updates to this content
Implementation date updated on 27 August 2024, from 17 January 2025 to 1 May 2025.