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UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises
As restrictions on the lockdown ease the UKGC has published a number of frequently asked questions covering its expectations from land-based operators.
These FAQs are aimed at helping operators manage compliance with Government guidance on reopening with continued compliance with the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).
The Commission is also reminding operators they are still expected to continue to follow Customer Interaction guidance as doors are reopened to consumers.
Frequently asked questions
Which premises can open from 15 June?
Just betting offices in England are able to open from 15 June.
Do Operators still have to meet all the Gambling Act and LCCP requirements?
Yes, there are no changes to operators’ obligations. We therefore expect operators to have confidence in their ability to be fully compliant with our requirements when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.
Will the Commission undertake premises-based assessments?
The Commission’s approach will support the following Government objectives as set out in guidance:
- To minimise the contact resulting from visits to stores or outlets
- To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to offices
- To minimise non-essential travel
This means that the Commission will look to obtain premises information by remote means. This includes requesting electronic data or recordings and where possible/necessary undertaking Skype meetings.
Will Licensing Authorities undertake premises-based assessments?
LA requirements remain the same. Individual LAs will undertake their own risk assessments and implement policies and procedures accordingly.
Who do I report my concerns to if I think government Covid-19 guidelines are not being followed correctly?
The Gambling Commission is not responsible for addressing breaches of Covid19 guidance. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Local Authorities, and local Police Forces (England & Wales only) have the relevant information on their websites.
Risk Assessments
General business risk assessment
Whilst not a requirement, we would expect operators to consider the risks posed to compliance with the Act, LCCP and associated guidance. As such we may seek evidence to support this.
Do operators need to review their premises [local] risk assessment(s)?
Operators may have to implement changes to manage social distancing and to protect staff and customers. Where these changes are significant, and could affect the mitigation of local risks, operators must review and where necessary update their risk assessments.
Do operators need to update their AML risk assessment?
Land based operators in the regulated sector are required to regularly review their AML risk assessments. Casinos are not reopening in June, but we would expect them to review the risks when they do. Operators in the unregulated sector are expected to review the risks and if required update any risk assessments.
Premises
What do operators need to consider if they are putting screens around machines for customer protection?
Operators must ensure that whatever measures they put in place to socially distance customers, staff can continue to supervise the premises, monitor customers behaviour for signs of gambling-related harm and monitor compliance with age-restrictions.
Do the social distancing rules mean customer interactions are suspended?
No. Operators must ensure that staff can and do undertake customer interactions that are meaningful and effective and that they comply with the LCCP and with our Customer Interaction guidance .
Do operators still need to undertake Age Verification (AV) check programs?
Operators are still required to undertake these programs. Suppliers (e.g. Serve Legal) could also be undertaking their own business risk assessments that may require changes to the process.
If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to undertake AV checks?
Yes, Government guidance states that customers can be asked to remove their masks for AV checks. If customers refuse, then staff should follow operator guidance on refusing service.
If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to enforce self-exclusions?
Yes. There are no changes to an operator’s responsibilities. Operators are expected to review their policies and procedures and to take a pragmatic approach.
Can operators move their gaming machines to allow for social distancing? Where plans submitted to LA stipulate specific areas for machines (most likely betting shops) operators must contact the LA for advice first.
Can operators expand the use of TITO?
We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities, in particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Operators must ensure that they can evidence appropriate controls when installing TITO and all gaming machines must comply with the relevant technical standards.
Can betting operators increase the number of SSBTs?
We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities. In particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Provided operators can evidence appropriate controls when installing SSBTs, use can be expanded.
Can operators replace safer gambling messaging (posters/leaflets etc.) with social distancing/Covid 19 messaging?
Our guidance on the provision and display of information has not changed.
Will the Commission suspend test-purchasing?
We will continue to carry out test-purchasing to identify those that are operating unlawfully.
What will the Commission do about the period of time during which there were no test-purchase exercises?
We do not want operators to be disadvantaged and so we will be calculating results only for the periods during which premises are open.
Staff
What happens if staff will not or cannot undertake customer interactions due to social distancing or Covid 19 concerns?
Operators must ensure customer interactions take place. Staffing issues are a matter for individual operators, but our expectation is that they are confident in their abilities to meet all of our requirements, including customer interactions, when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.
What happens if a PML goes sick with C-19 or has to self-isolate?
Our expectation is that operators will have in place contingency plans. So long as this is the case, wherever possible the Commission will be flexible on arrangements.
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AGREEMENT BETWEEN ZITRO AND GRUPO OSGA TO PROMOTE THE LABOT INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Zitro, a leading company in the gaming industry, has signed a collaboration agreement with Grupo OSGA, a business group committed to promoting the employment of people with disabilities. Grupo OSGA offers job opportunities to people with disabilities and supports their professional development in inclusive and accessible environments.
Through this alliance, Grupo OSGA will provide Zitro with a parcel and documentation service between its offices, optimizing Zitro’s operational efficiency and strengthening its social commitment to creating a more inclusive work environment.
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The post AGREEMENT BETWEEN ZITRO AND GRUPO OSGA TO PROMOTE THE LABOT INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
EGT Digital’s iGaming platform X-Nave and successful titles to deliver high-quality experience to BetHub’s customers
BetHub and EGT Digital have started their successful partnership, as a result of which the leading Bulgarian operator is now using the iGaming platform X-Nave. Its 4 main modules: CRM Engine, Sport product, Gaming Aggregator and Payment Gateway, enable the betting site to effectively manage all online gaming business verticals and further improve its performance.
CRM Engine provides a wide range of player management tools and bonus features, allowing the operator to create more personalized offerings for its customers, based on their preferences and behavior.
Through X-Nave’s Sport product BetHub will enrich even more the sport content it offers.
The Payment Gateway gives access to numerous payment methods and thanks to the Gaming Aggregator EGT Digital’s slot games are already at the disposal of the website’s visitors. The top-performing titles from Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, Single Progressive Jackpot, as well as the multiplayer game xRide quickly gained popularity among BetHub’s customers.
“We are very glad with our collaboration with EGT Digital so far,” commented Kiril Naldzhiev, CEO at BetHub. “The platform has made the management of our business much easier, and the company’s gaming content has shown impressive results that have not only met but exceeded our expectations.”
Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, also gave a positive evaluation to the cooperation. She said: “Partnering with a prominent operator like BetHub is very valuable for us, as it gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the enormous potential of our developments and consolidate our status as a leader in the local market. I am confident that this is the beginning of a very successful collaboration that will bring a lot of positives to both companies and the players themselves.”
The post EGT Digital’s iGaming platform X-Nave and successful titles to deliver high-quality experience to BetHub’s customers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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