NEWS
5 September 2018
Gambling Commission asks for public opinion on new rules
By Jake Patel

The Commission is primarily looking to gauge the consenus around proposed changes to its licence conditions and code of practice to protect children and keep gambling fair and safe.

Brad Enright, Gambling Commission Programme Director, said: “Our aim is to protect children, reduce gambling-related harm and keep gambling fair and crime-free.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in gambling matters to read our consultation and ensure they have their say on these proposals.”

The survey is available on the Gambling Commission's website.

The proposed changes will require gambling businesses to verify the age of customers before permitting them to place bets or attempt to access play-for-free gambling games.

Gambling businesses are also required to verify a customer’s identity, including details such as name, date of birth, address and email address before they are allowed to gamble.

Businesses will also have to check the name associated with a customer’s payment method matches the name of the gambling account holder.

As it stands, operators have 72 hours to carry out age verification checks and winnings can’t be withdrawn until the age has been verified.

If the gambler is underage, then the customer's initial stake must be returned, but funds can still be deposited during the 72-hour period.