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Gambling Commission is working hard to enforce the laws about prevention of gambling problems and this week it was the turn for 888 Holdings to face UK regulators. I know there are a lot of players worried because of gambling addiction, and I remember some player was here in the forum so time ago and made a post complaining about 888 Casino because they failed in prevent self-excluded players to come back to play again, so I wanted to extract these fragments from an article I read: Shares in 888 Holdings fell sharply on Monday after the online betting group said the Gambling Commission was investigating whether it was doing enough to protect customers. In the latest sign of tougher UK regulation of the industry, the Gibraltar-registered company said the regulator was looking at the measures it has in place to discourage harmful gambling. The review will focus on software tools that give gamblers the ability to set limits on the amount of money they spend and time they play for. The company said it was “dedicated to providing players with a responsible as well as an enjoyable gaming experience”, adding it was “proactively engaged in a co-operative and collaborative manner” with the regulator." The Gambling Commission declined to confirm a review was under way. “We are unable to talk about individual cases — this includes confirming whether an investigation is taking place. If we decide to take action against an operator, then we will make an announcement,” a spokesman said. Regulators have also been concerned over the use of fixed-odd betting machines (FOBTs), which allow high-speed play and high stakes. Since May last year, all gambling companies — including online operators such as 888 — are required to adopt practices that encourage more socially responsible gambling in the UK. The government says its aim is to ensure the “right balance between a sector that can grow and contribute to the economy, and one that is socially responsible and doing all it can to protect consumers and communities”. Full article: <SNIP>

The chief executive of coin-op trade association bacta believes that the industry really has to be seen to be taking problem gambling seriously if it is to get recognition for its efforts from politicians. This week the UK coin-op industry has strengthened its social responsibility capabilities when bacta and IHL, developer of paper-less self-exclusion solution SmartEXCLUSION, announced the launch of an initiative to integrate SmartEXCLUSION with the bacta self-exclusion service. Once finalised the integration will allow users of either system to notify other Adult Gaming Centre operators in their locality of self-exclusions that have taken place in their premises. The project is planned to be complete by 1st November 2016. When asked if politicians and others in government recognise how important the coin-op sector takes social responsibility, Bacta chief executive John White told TotallyGaming.com: “I would like to think that they do, but in today’s world we do really have to prove it. That is why real social responsibility (SR) goes beyond merely compliance with the License Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP) and requires us to take ownership of the issues that will, hopefully, make our SR performance better. “We in bacta unequivocally accept that challenge and through our SR Committee are looking at how we can do things better. I also think the new RGSB Strategy is a good document that helps provide some focus. The hardest task is getting good evidence in SR field, by which evidence that any intervention does make a genuine impact on problem gamblers and/or at risk gamblers.” As from April this year all AGC operators have had to let other operators know details of people who have self-excluded as a requirement of the Gambling Commission’s latest version of the License Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP). With two systems in the market, operators have had to advise self-excluders in some cases to register with two different schemes in two different locations. “It will make life simpler for the self-excluder,” White added. “This integration of the two systems will allow a self-excluder to self-exclude from all AGC venues in a particular locality with just one registration. I am therefore delighted that IHL and the bacta scheme have come together. This will undoubtedly benefit those that have found themselves in difficulty through gambling and need some extra help from the industry.” White revealed that self-exclusion has been ‘working well in any case’ even before the agreement. Up until April it was on a site by site basis before the multi-operator scheme was introduced. “In essence all a self-excluder has to do is to go into an AGC (or bookmaker or casino etc which have their own schemes) give a few details, provide a photograph and then the system notifies others in the locality of the self-excluder.” Although locality was not defined in the LCCP – bacta uses a 1 kilometre radius from the reference AGC and if someone needs to exclude from another location (ie work and home) then they simply contact bacta self exclusion services who manages the change. Source: totallygaming.com

The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square is helping to bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds with an innovative partnership with payments provider NETELLER. Visitors to the London casino will now be able to manage their funds on the move as part of a digital wallet collaboration with NETELLER. Hippodrome CEO Simon Thomas described the deal as the ‘first for the UK market’. “The Principle is simple,” he told TotallyGaming.com. “It is a useful example of online offline convergence where we have identified a consumer need and can use technology and our building to satisfy it.” Lots of people keep a separate entertainment account online, but are frustrated not to be able to take money on and off it in cash, easily, quickly and safely. We have worked with Neteller and the Gambling Commission to devise a process where Neteller customers can take cash off their online account, in cash, in the safety of the Hippodrome. “And they can do the reverse with us as well, putting cash onto their online Neteller account. A couple of challenges to get it approved and set up, but now simple in execution, and easy to use for the customer.” New and existing digital wallet customers will be able to send and receive money in real time through an app or via the website directly for collection at the Hippodrome’s cash desks, in a payments partnership that integrates offline and online activity within the safety of a casino. This service removes the need for customers to use cards or carry physical cash into the casino to pay for entertainment. Deposit and withdrawal transactions will take place securely and in real time before any money is received by the customer at the Hippodrome cashier desks. The new digital offering will work both for the request of cash on arrival in the casino and also for depositing money securely onto their digital wallet at the casino. Hippodrome’s online operations director George Constantinou commented: “Technology is helping to transform the gaming industry and this innovative UK first will enable our customers to access their funds securely in the Hippodrome. This is a game-changer for people who like to keep a separate account for their transactions.” CEO Digital Wallets at Paysafe Lorenzo Pellegrino added: “NETELLER provides a fast, secure and convenient way for consumers to move funds – including winnings – and creates an ideal platform for merchants to promote engaging loyalty programmes. We are pleased to be helping the Hippodrome to deliver an enhanced payments experience for their customers with our digital wallets.” Totally Gaming Says: The concept of a digital wallet in the real world environment has been used in UK betting shops for the past few years, where players have been able to withdraw their online winnings from a retail outlet. But that was restricted to that brand’s particular online account. By embracing NETELLER users in this way, the Hippodrome is opening its doors to a wider customer base. Source:totallygaming.com

Good morning! I just saw this incredible news about Askgambelrs and confirmed application to become ADR provider for the Gambling Commission and it is obvious that things here getting serious. I am so happy and proud! Read full article here http://www.askgamblers.com/gambling-news/industry/askgamblers-to-be-the-alternative-dispute-resolution-provider/. Now, cheers!

Hi folks, Have just received and industry news that United Kingdom Gambling Commission is about to postpone the new gambling legislation coming into force with a month. Here's the complete announcement: More info on UKGC website. Click here.

Hi All, We wanted to let you know that VideoSlots.com intends to continue operating within the UK market, and therefore our application has been submitted and is in progress. The Software we have applied for to keep on operating with within the UK are: Microgaming, NetEnt, MultiSlot & NYX. You may search the licensees list from this page here: https://secure.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/gccustomweb/PublicRegister/PRSearch.aspx and in the Licensee name or reference field fill in "Panda Media". You may alternatiively click on the Gambling Commission's logo from the footer on our site - (Which will lead you directly to the application status progress). Kind Regards, Lucas