The Gambling Commission (GC) has issued further clarity on the incoming “mixed product promotion” ban, which will come into effect on 19 January.
The ban, which was first announced in March, had originally been planned to be implemented from 19 December.
The new LCCP (the GC’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice) requirement will prevent operators from including bonuses for multiple verticals in one offer.
For example, a bookmaker could no longer offer customers 200 free spins if they placed a £10 bet as that would be a mixing of casino and sports betting.
However, in further guidance issued ahead of the ban, the GC said bonuses would continue to be allowed on condition they give consumers choice.
An example would be a bonus via which a player spends £10 on any gambling product and then given £10 in credit to spend on a vertical of their choice.
The GC stated: “This would be compliant because it’s the customer’s choice as to which product category they choose to play, and which prize or reward they choose, and it is not stipulated or limited by the operator.”
Conversely, a customer spending £10 on any licensed product and then being given a £5 free bet, would not be compliant.
The regulator noted: “While the customer gets a choice on which qualifying activity to participate in (spending £10), the customer does not have a choice of the prize or reward, with the operator dictating the product category and limiting this to betting only.”
The GC also confirmed that advertising rules around bonuses would remain in place following the change.
On operators’ approach to mixed-use promotions, the GC stated: “As an outcomes-focused regulator, the Commission cannot offer prior approval for different incentives.
“The principles behind the rules are clear and if operators have doubts about a particular incentive they should consider whether such an incentive may expose them to risk of non-compliance.”
In March, when the change was announced, GC executive director Tim Miller said: “These changes will better protect consumers from gambling harm and give consumers much better clarity on, and certainty of, offers before they decide to sign up.”
The post Gambling Commission issues clarity on “mixed product promotion” ban first appeared on EGR Intel.
Regulator provides examples on what would be deemed compliant ahead of rule coming into effect next month
The post Gambling Commission issues clarity on “mixed product promotion” ban first appeared on EGR Intel.