The UKGC chief has revealed plans to crack down on faulty operators and raise overall compliance standards. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Not enough model right now
The head of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed plans to take a tougher stance on regulatory offenders. Marcus Boyle, who became UKGC Chairman in September, made his first public statement this week since taking office. In an opinion article on Sunday timesBoyle laid out a roadmap for a better regulatory environment.
He mentioned how he has been working to identify any changes beneficial to both the industry and consumers since taking office. One of the major areas of improvement that Boyle highlighted is cracking down on operators who consistently break regulations.
It does not appear to be a sufficient deterrent to criminals
Despite imposing heavy fines on many operators, the current approach does not appear to be a sufficient deterrent to offenders. Boyle suggests introducing cumulative penalty packages that would incur greater financial penalties, in addition to fines calculated on the dividend, and implementing the suspension of long-term licenses.
Increase compliance levels
Boyle believes that the days of operators being satisfied with compliance with regulations are at the lowest levels. he is Wants commitment from operators To learn from failures. UKGC, along with several leading operators, has now launched a new best practice study. The aim of the study is to evaluate the algorithms used to detect at-risk gambling activity and the preventive measures that operators subsequently take when they identify an at-risk gambler.
Over the past five years, UKGC has issued fines of more than 130 million pounds ($163 million) to breaching licensees.
Boyle would like to see the introduction of independent standards audits and the expansion of formal accreditation for operators with the highest levels of compliance. Other potential new measures that Boyle mentioned include conducting facilitated credit checks when assessing a user’s affordability, collecting more data about gambling behavior, and looking more at the links between gambling and suicide.
Investing in the future
Another area of focus is expanding UKGC’s technological capabilities which will increase the number of checks that can be performed on operators. There will also be a focus on increasing engagement with operators and sharing information for the ultimate benefit of users. Finally, Boyle believes technology and data can be key tools in monitoring and taking action against the black market.
Boyle took over the UKGC after former president Bill Moyles resigned over the collapse of the football index.
Boyle is confident that the review of the gambling law will be successful and will help introduce beneficial legislative change. He envisions the new framework as better meeting the needs of the industry and will allow the UKGC to better regulate the sector. The indirect consequence is to protect gamblers from harm while allowing gamblers to enjoy themselves.
