UK Gambling Commission Proposes Key Revisions to Licence Conditions in Response to New Legislation

UKGC Proposes Updates to Align with New Consumer Protection Laws

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has initiated a consultation process to gather feedback on its suggested changes to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). These proposed modifications are intended to ensure compliance with the upcoming Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act). A notable aspect of the revisions involves potentially removing the UKGC’s current list of approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers.

Integration of UKGC Regulations with the DMCC Act

With the DMCC Act set to transfer the accreditation of ADR providers from the UKGC to the Secretary of State, the Commission is considering eliminating the list of approved ADR providers from its framework. This also involves removing the corresponding LCCP footnote that directs licensees to use this list.

The DMCC Act represents a significant shift in consumer protection law within the UK, replacing the previous Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPUTR) from 2008. It aims to strengthen consumer rights and improve access to dispute resolution services.

As part of the legislative changes, the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations of 2015 will be revoked and replaced by new provisions under the DMCC Act.

The UKGC’s proposed LCCP changes reflect these developments, ensuring that gambling operators continue to offer free access to ADR but under a new regulatory environment governed by updated legislation.

Public Consultation Invited by the UKGC

The UK Gambling Commission has opened a consultation inviting input from all stakeholders, including industry operators, consumers, and the general public. The planned amendments mostly involve updating references within the LCCP to align with the new DMCC Act.

An official UKGC statement emphasized the importance of this feedback, noting, “These views will help us decide if we have considered all the required changes and made the appropriate amendments.” This outreach aims to ensure that the Commission addresses all relevant factors in finalizing the updated requirements.

Controversy in UK Horse Racing Over Gaming Tax Proposals

Separately, the UK horse racing industry has voiced strong opposition to proposed changes that would unify online gaming taxes. Stakeholders warn that these tax reforms could severely impact horse racing, the UK’s second most popular spectator sport, and threaten thousands of jobs.

In protest, the British Horseracing Authority chose to cancel all racing events scheduled for September 10, marking an unprecedented move to signal their discontent with the government’s proposed tax policy changes.