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Understanding the impact of individual interactions

This formal guidance for remote gambling operators is not current and from 12 September 2022 operators are no longer required to take it into account. It was published in July 2019 and remained in effect from 31 October 2019 to 11 September 2022.

Following our consultation on customer interaction, Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.4.3 for remote gambling operators has been introduced and the majority of requirements are in effect from 12 September 2022. We issued this update on the regulatory requirements and status of formal guidance regarding customer interaction for remote gambling operators. The guidance issued in June 2022 under Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.4.3 is not in effect and is subject to further consultation. Operators are not required to take it into account.

In this context, by impact we mean a change in the customer’s gambling activity which could be attributed to the interaction. An important part of this is whether the customer has understood the information or advice you gave.

Not every customer who receives an interaction will require active follow up, but many will. In these cases, follow up activity should be proportionate to the severity or extent of the harm being displayed. This approach will help you target your resources where they are most needed.

Understanding the impact of the interaction on the customer includes being able to look at and compare:

  • the behaviour before the interaction.
  • the change in behaviour or prompt for the interaction
  • how you interacted and what was said or done, and
  • what happened next.

Some ways to work out that impact include:

  • Did the customer start using gambling management tools; independently or following your advice?
  • If you are tracking links from emails, did the customer click through to safer gambling information?
  • Was there a positive change in behaviour? Did the customer’s gambling seem to change after the interaction?
  • You could also follow up and ask the customer whether they found the interaction helpful or not.
  • Is there a need for further or follow up action?

You may already quality assure individual customer interactions by spot- checking chat records and emails. As well as checking that customers are getting the right support, this can also identify staff development needs and highlight good practice that you can share across your business and across the industry.

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Last updated: 15 September 2022

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  • Information in the callout at the beginning of the guidance page has been updated.
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