Gambling Ombudsman Plans Could Be in The Pipeline
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is the representative for all retail and online gambling operators and have continuously pushed to boost the standards within the industry. Just recently, they have urged the Government to establish a Gambling Ombudsman to act as a figurehead for the gambling industry.
Although there are other organisations and systems which consumers can use to deal with complaints, having an official Gambling Ombudsman would allow for more consistent processes and procedures to deal with gambling complaints.
Requirement for All UK Licensed Casinos
The BGC, along with a number of other groups and campaigners, have proposed that the Gambling Ombudsman should be established as soon as possible, particularly as the Government are in the process of review the current legislation. They also suggest any new legislation should include the requirement for all UK licensed gambling operators to sign up to the new Gambling Ombudsman.
The CEO of the BGC, Michael Dugher said that the industry as a whole is keen to boost standards all round and felt that the creation of a central Gambling Ombudsman will be key to addressing and resolving customer concerns.
Gambling Ombudsman Backed by Flutter Entertainment
It isn’t the first time the creation of a Gambling Ombudsman has been mentioned. In 2019, the then deputy leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson, proposed the creation of a central body specifically dedicated to consumer protection and data transparency, as well as determining if and when financial compensation should be paid.
Flutter Entertainment, the company behind Paddy Power Betfair, backed the proposals, saying they will always be dedicated to both providing top entertainment to customers while still remaining in line with all safer gambling processes.
Although there is currently the Betting Adjudication Service available to assist with dispute resolutions, the Gambling Ombudsman would allow for more consistent procedures and improve any current processes.
We will keep you posted with any updates regarding these proposed plans.
