Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment have changed the way they offer bonuses to players following recommendations from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
The leading operator trio have committed to change bonus promotions to ensure that players can always access and release their own money.
The change to stop “unfair” promotion conditions, following on from a CMA investigation into whether consumer protection law was being broken, is now being put in place for the entire industry. Firms that fail to comply face sanction from the Gambling Commission.
The three firms have also agreed to be clear in their promotion terms and conditions.
The changes mean: players won’t be required to play multiple times before they can withdraw their own money; gambling firms must ensure that any restrictions on gameplay are made clear to players and cannot rely on vague terms to confiscate players’ money; and gambling firms must not oblige players to take part in publicity.
Promotions that came under the microscope, in a CMA investigation that began in October 2016 in collaboration with the Gambling Commission, were those that attracted players to igaming websites offering bonus funds when they deposited money. The concern was that people may have to play longer than they realised before being able to withdraw their own money.
Gambling Commission executive director Sarah Gardner said: “We back the action taken by the CMA today. Gambling firms must treat their customers fairly and not attach unreasonable terms and conditions to their promotions and offers.
“We expect all Gambling Commission licensed businesses to immediately review the promotions and sign up deals they offer customers and take whatever steps they need to take, to the same timescales agreed by the three operators, to ensure they comply.
“Operators should be very aware that we will continue to work closely with the CMA to ensure customers are getting a fair deal across the gambling industry.”
