What’s hot & new

notification image

Feel the rush with CasinoWow: A spectacular recap of Motocross Bulgaria 2024

18 hours ago

notification image

"CrocoSlots Casino is redesigned & has new features and Welcome Offers."

3 days ago

notification image

"Lucky Elektra casino is temporarily closed until for maintenance until further notice."

4 days ago

notification image

Fantastic Xmas promotions from Wazdan and Pragmatic Play

4 days ago

notification image

Festive promotions at your favourite online casinos!

5 days ago

notification image

What is the evolution of the house edge, and do casinos always win?

5 days ago

notification image

New casino added! See the review of 7Signs Casino casino here

5 days ago

notification image

Host a holiday movie marathon with these must-watch Christmas titles

7 days ago

notification image

"Unfortunately No Account Casino is now permanently closed."

8 days ago

notification image

Everyone is invited to Bluesky – the social media that could replace X

12 days ago

Discover loads of curious Gambling Guides!

What’s hot & new

notification image

Feel the rush with CasinoWow: A spectacular recap of Motocross Bulgaria 2024

18 hours ago

notification image

"CrocoSlots Casino is redesigned & has new features and Welcome Offers."

3 days ago

notification image

"Lucky Elektra casino is temporarily closed until for maintenance until further notice."

4 days ago

notification image

Fantastic Xmas promotions from Wazdan and Pragmatic Play

4 days ago

notification image

Festive promotions at your favourite online casinos!

5 days ago

notification image

What is the evolution of the house edge, and do casinos always win?

5 days ago

notification image

New casino added! See the review of 7Signs Casino casino here

5 days ago

notification image

Host a holiday movie marathon with these must-watch Christmas titles

7 days ago

notification image

"Unfortunately No Account Casino is now permanently closed."

8 days ago

notification image

Everyone is invited to Bluesky – the social media that could replace X

12 days ago

loader search icon
Popular pages
Our top casino picks for United States of America 🏆
BitStarz Casino logo
Nomini Casino logo
Roobet Casino logo
Hell Spin Casino logo
Empire.io logo
Lucky Ones Casino logo

    UK Gambling Commission under APBGG scrutiny

    news thumbnail image

    The APBGG is calling on the UK Gambling Commission to pull up its socks in terms of performance.

    The online casino industry relies on reputable gaming authorities to protect players and online casino operators. The UK Gambling Commission is among the top authorities in the industry but appears to have fallen from grace.

    The gaming authority is under direct scrutiny from the APBGG due to several complaints from operators.

    UKGC under investigation

    The APBGG started its investigation in September 2021 due to a high number of complaints against the gaming authority.

    The APBGG has an anonymous platform in place where operators can submit their complaints. According to the group, they received several submissions which led to the inquiry launch on the UK Gambling Commission.

    The group started its investigation on the Commission's performance in September 2021 and released its report on 24 January 2022. In the report, the APBGG is stating that the UK Gambling Commission is incompetent and in desperate need of a shape-up.

    Based on the condemning evidence, it has become clear that the UK Gambling Commission is in desperate need of change. The changes should be implemented sooner rather than later to ensure players stick with regulated gambling operators rather than moving over to black-market options.

    According to the APBGG, the regulator might be overreaching. This statement stems from the fact that Covid-19 restrictions were put in place after lockdowns were lifted. It deems these actions from the UK Gambling Commission as excessive, inconsistent, and disproportionate.

    Another concerning factor is that the regulator is deemed guilty of breaches of GDPR. Evidence reveals that it has gone against its Statement of Principles and does not perform its statutory duty of permitting gambling.

    Many of the UK Gambling Commissions' flaws are shown in our UKGC review. But on top of these, the APBGG listed many contributing factors that display incompetency. This includes long time frames for license applications along with administration errors, leading to application rejection.

    There has also been a complaint submitted stating the Commission once acted so outrageously that they consider a Judicial Review.

    APBGG co-chair, Scott Benton MP, states that it is shocking to reveal so much evidence of bad practice from the UK Gambling Commission over the last few years. Benton also exclaims that ignoring the contents of the report would be the downfall of the regulated iGaming industry and a new start for black market operators.

    According to a number of operators that have lodged complaints, it was concerning to not have anywhere they could complain apart from the Commission itself. It is also clear that the Commission has not adhered to government reviews and reports.

    Improvements necessary

    There is a call to action from the APBGG urging the commission to take charge and improve their internal operations.

    One key factor, according to the APBGG, is for the commission to decide if their core duty is to reduce the number of problem gamblers. If it is, then they should come up with a strategy, meetable targets, and scientific evidence of its approach to the matter of responsible gambling.

    Based on the report, there is a need for an impact assessment to see how these measures will affect the financial position of the iGaming industry and if they will encourage the growth of unregulated gaming. The primary focus is the concrete analysis of implementation along with results.

    The APBGG is on the warpath and the UK Gambling Commission is the target. The group is calling for assessments by the Better Regulation Executive and the Queen's Counsel. The DCMS is also urged to take over the complaints process as the industry currently fears speaking out.

    As for changes to the 2005 Gambling Act, the APBGG is asking for differentiation between high and low-risk operators. With restrictions on products based on the potential harm, they may cause.

    And finally, the APBGG believes that the commission must change its culture and strategic direction to change things for the better.

    Published: February 6, 2022

    Anything incorrect or missing?

    Let us know
    Stelly avatar image

    Article by Stelly

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hey there! I am Stelly, and happily, I'm part of CasinoWow's content team. It excites me to be able to write and share with all gambling enthusiasts unbiased reviews and news that contribute to the gambling community and industry. Thankfully, I also have the chance to help you make an informed choice for casino brands and games, as well as provide interesting guides and news.

    Related content

    NEXT UP IN REGULATIONS

    THE LATEST

    Most popular

    news item
    Feel the rush with CasinoWow: A spectacular recap of Motocross Bulgaria 2024
    news item
    Fantastic Xmas promotions from Wazdan and Pragmatic Play
    news item
    Festive promotions at your favourite online casinos!
    news item
    How do online casinos stay socially responsible?
    news item
    France withdraws proposed gambling amendment for more consultation
    banner image

    Popular

    Special Guides

    Features

    CasinoWow

    banner image

    Related content

    NEXT UP IN INDUSTRY

    THE LATEST

    compass icon

    Guides

    Online gambling guides
    press icon

    News

    Latest gambling stories
    questionmark icon

    Help

    Online gambling FAQs

    CasinoWow © 2024

    CasinoWow.com Cookies

    We use 🍪 cookies to improve your user experience. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

    Accept
    subscribe icon

    SUBSCRIBE for EXCLUSIVE offers!

    Be the first to get exclusive bonuses and WOW casino promotions! Get access to our new online casinos, top stories and special iGaming events for FREE.

    follow us icon

    Share this page across social platforms!

    facebook share icon Facebook
    x share icon Twitter
    instagram icon Instagram
    linkedin share icon Linkedin