GVC backs UKGC’s safeguarding approach

GVC Holdings has backed the UK Gambling Commission‘s (UKGC) decision to enforce additional industry lockdown measures to protect vulnerable consumers.

Yesterday, the UKGC published a series of immediate operator requirements on customer interventions, player monitoring, due diligence and affordability checks.

The temporary requirements approved by the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) relate to concerns that UK consumers could be changing their gambling habits during lockdown, engaging with new products such as online slots, casino games and virtual sports content.

In its judgement, the UKGC stated that ‘government officials’ had highlighted YouGov research that revealed that ‘64% of more engaged gamblers reported that they have increased the time or money that they are spending on at least one online gambling activity’.

Issuing a statement, GVC leadership detailed that it welcomed the commission’s further measures and safeguards. adding that it ‘endorses the additional focus on protecting customers’.

GVC underlined that its’s alignment with the UKGC’s customer protection measures, pointing to the comprehensive safer gambling systems and controls it established through its ‘Changing for the Bettor’ corporate mandate.

Key initiatives see GVC point to its Markers of Harm (MoH) safer gambling algorithms which are able to spot problematic gambling behaviour at an earlier stage, allowing for immediate intervention.

Entering lockdown in March, GVC was the first UK operator to deploy additional customer checks and safeguards mitigating gambling risks.

The FTSE operator deployed a ‘coordinated approach’ across its brand portfolio, ensuring that it customers are aware of safer gambling tools and self-exclusion procedures.

GVC CEO Kenneth Alexander commented: “We welcome the finding from the UK Gambling Commission that there is no evidence to suggest an increase in problem gambling during the COVID-19 lockdown.  Nevertheless, we remain committed to taking all necessary actions to keep our customers safe whilst they enjoy our products.

“Providing a robust safety net for those who may experience harm is particularly important during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and social restrictions.  That is why we continue to enhance our tools to track problematic play so that we can proactively interact with any player if we see changes that suggest they are having problems.”