Compliance Updates

UKGC publishes interim evaluation on the successful implementation of the ban on gambling with credit cards

Published

3 years ago

November 2, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

An interim evaluation of the Gambling Commission’s credit card ban indicates the action is popular among consumers and has not resulted in harmful unintended consequences.

The credit card ban was introduced in April 2020 to add another layer of protection for consumers and add friction to the process of gambling with borrowed money. Evidence revealed some gamblers with high levels of debt were using credit cards to gamble.

When monitoring gambling and financial behaviours, the report found:

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

support for the ban among consumers has been largely positive, qualitative data from consumers supports the conclusion that the ban helps people to gamble within their means and retain control
the proportion of consumers reporting gambling with other forms of borrowed money has remained stable
there has been no increase in reports of illegal money lending related to gambling
while consumers are aware of ways to legally bypass the ban, far more people who previously gambled with a credit card now gamble with available (not borrowed) funds than other types of borrowed money
bank data showed no observed spike for credit card gamblers in money transfers in the three months after the ban
there was no spike in ATM withdrawals from credit cards around the time of the ban.

The report shows a major high street bank has observed the volume and value of gambling transactions with credit cards to the gambling merchant code reduced to a very low level. Continually low-level expenditure to businesses with gambling merchant codes was expected and can be explained by activities outside the scope of the ban such as lotteries and competitions spending.

Additionally, major e-wallet and electronic money providers have blocked gambling transactions if funding originated from credit cards.

Key sources used to inform the report were the Commission’s Online Tracker survey, which collects data quarterly from a nationally representative sample of approximately 2,000 adults aged 18+ in Great Britain, and Consumer Voice research completed by 2CV, which involved an eight-day online programme with 30 respondents.

Next steps: future evaluation activity

Ongoing monitoring of behaviours is important to ensure there is not an increase in harmful forms of funding gambling activity.

NatCen Social Research have been commissioned to conduct a full evaluation of the ban on gambling with credit cards by Greo as part of their programme of work to strengthen evaluation of safer gambling initiatives. This is scheduled for completion in early 2023 and the Commission will use these findings, along with our continued monitoring, to inform future policy development.

Andrew Rhodes, Interim Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission said: “Protecting consumers is at the heart of everything we do, we introduced this policy as part of our multifaceted work to reduce gambling harm.

“The successful implementation of the ban across the industry and the impact on consumer behaviour and financial spend we have monitored so far is an encouraging sign that the ban has reduced consumer reliance on gambling with borrowed money. We look forward to NatCen’s report on the long-term impacts of the ban and how this can inform our future policies.”

Compliance Updates

Booming Games Receives Danish License Approval

Published

15 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

booming-games-receives-danish-license-approval

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Booming Games, a rapidly expanding provider of iGaming content, has successfully secured a Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) license, marking a major milestone in the company’s efforts to broaden its presence across Europe.

Booming Games has officially secured its B2B gaming license from the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA), enabling the company to supply its renowned content to licensed gambling operators across Denmark. Danish players can now enjoy popular titles such as Burning Classics, TNT Bonanza, Cash Pig, Buffalo Hold and Win Extreme, and Gold Gold Gold.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Booming Games’ strategic expansion into the European market. By obtaining the DGA license, the company strengthens its position as a leading iGaming content provider and unlocks new opportunities within the region. With the Danish license complementing its existing portfolio of certifications, Booming Games is poised to deliver outstanding gaming experiences to players throughout Europe.

Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, said: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of our full Danish B2B gaming license. This milestone further expands our presence in the fast-growing Danish market. It positions us to leverage our strengths and enhance our product portfolio to meet our customers’ needs better.”

The post Booming Games Receives Danish License Approval appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

George Miller

stakelogic-secures-license-to-the-newly-regulated-danish-market

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Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark

Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.

The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.

Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.

The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.

Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.

Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.

We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”

The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

Niji Narayan

ukgc-appoints-charles-counsell-obe-as-interim-chair

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Charles Counsell OBE has been appointed as Interim Chair of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for a nine month term which will commence on 1 February 2025.

Charles was Chief Executive Officer of The Pensions Regulator from April 2019 to March 2023. Prior to this he was CEO of the Money Advice Service, and Executive Director of Automatic Enrolment at The Pensions Regulator.

As CEO of The Pensions Regulator, Charles developed the new corporate strategy to put the pension saver at the heart of the Regulator. He delivered their first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Climate Change strategies – both focused on driving change in the regulator and across the Pensions Sector.

Throughout his career, his roles have focused on setting up and delivering large change programmes requiring significant stakeholder relationship engagement: initially in the private sector and latterly in senior public sector appointments.

The post UKGC Appoints Charles Counsell OBE as Interim Chair appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.