Gambling firms face action for unfair withdrawal restrictions
01 March 2018
The Gambling Commission has welcomed an investigation into the restrictions placed on customers withdrawing money from their online gambling accounts.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced enforcement action and has written to a number of online gambling firms in respect of terms and practices that may place unfair obstacles in the way of people withdrawing their money (whether as part of a promotion or not).
The CMA has particular concern about:
- daily, weekly or monthly limits on withdrawing funds that appear unreasonably low
- potentially arbitrary short deadlines on the time customers have to verify their identity as a condition of withdrawing funds, sometimes providing for forfeiture of consumer’s funds if missed
- ‘dormancy’ terms that allow firms to confiscate funds after a certain period of inactivity.
Ian Angus, Programme Director at the Gambling Commission said: “We support the CMA’s investigation - gambling firms should not be placing unreasonable restrictions on when and how consumers can withdraw money from their online gambling accounts. While the CMA continues its enquiry, we expect all online operators to look closely at the terms and practices they have in place and consider if they are fair on their customers.”
The CMA will update it's website (opens in new tab) on a regular basis as the investigation progresses.
Note to editors
- Related material from the CMA to aid with compliance.
- Our approach to enforcement.
- More information about how we regulate the gambling industry.
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Journalists can contact our press office on 0121 230 6700 or email: communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk
For all media enquiries, please contact the Gambling Commission press office.
Last updated: 18 August 2021
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