As the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is constantly monitoring the gambling scene in the UK, it makes sure that licensed operators are conducting their services properly. Last week, the regulator issued a reminder for gambling operators to keep their digital adverts, as well as those related to their affiliates, only on websites that are authorised to provide copyrighted content.
As the bid for the next lottery operator is ongoing, an article published by Daily Telegraph suggested that Camelot Group is a “preferred bidder”. This prompted the UKGC to publish an official statement denying such claims and ensuring that it is the Board of Commissioners that is making the final decision on the most suitable operator for the lottery and will notify the Government as soon as a decision has been made.
Gambling Operators Warned About Posting Adverts on Infringing Websites
Last week, the UKGC warned licensed gambling operators about the websites where they place their adverts as well as those of their third-party affiliates. The Commission reminded operators that it is their responsibility to ensure that promotional materials advertising their brand or their affiliates should not be placed on websites that have not been authorised to provide copyrighted content.
Under the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) 16.1.1, in addition, to prevent digital adverts from being published on infringing websites, operators are also required to take all possible measures to prevent any third party they work with for the provision of their gambling services to also keep their digital adverts away from such websites.
To follow through with the LCCP guidelines, operators must also ensure that the contracts they sign with affiliates will allow the operator to swiftly terminate such a contract if the third party is responsible for placing digital adverts on an infringing website.
According to the UKGC, publishing digital advertisements on copyright-infringing websites is an issue as it leads to their funding and links gambling to criminal activities. While the regulator acknowledged the decreasing number of gambling adverts seen on copyright-infringing websites, the Commission noted that there are still many gambling-related digital adverts that can be seen on such websites.
The UKGC is certain that operators need to take stricter measures to prevent such occurrences. While the Commission has not introduced any specific measures to be taken by licensed operators, it was clear with the guidelines that gambling operators should follow.
To prevent digital adverts from being placed on unauthorise websites, the UKCG suggested operators apply for access to the Infringing Website List (IWL). The list is owned by the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit’s (PIPCU) and is constantly updated to inform about websites that have not been authorised to publish copyrighted content. The list allows different advertisers and agencies to stop placing their digital adverts on infringing websites.
To be able to view the illegal websites to avoid, the Commission prompted gambling operators to register with the IWL. When operators register with the list provided by PIPCU, they must regularly check the updates on the list to always make sure that their adverts are not posted on illegal websites.
UKGC Debunks False Statements Regarding Fourth National Lottery Competition
Last week, the UKGC made an official statement regarding the ongoing bid for the fourth operator of the National Lottery in the UK. As the new operator is still in the process of being chosen by the regulatory body, the Daily Telegraph published an article about the possible winner of the bid. In its publication, the media suggested that while other competitors might be engaging in intense campaigning during the final stages of the bidding process, Camelot was the Commission’s “preferred bidder”.
The UKGC was quick to debunk such claims, ensuring that the new operator of the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition is yet to be chosen. The regulatory body ensured that it strives to conduct a fair and transparent competition, with final results being beneficial for both players and good causes. The final decision on the winner of the competition is to be made by the Board of Commissioners and the Government will be informed as soon as the new lottery operator is selected.
The UKGC is still investigating whether the Daily Telegraph article is just a result of misinformation. Meanwhile, the Commission has asked the media outlet to remove the article in its original form from its official website.