UK Gambling Commission reviews rules under new consumer protection act
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). The updates aim to align the rules with the newly introduced Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act). Industry stakeholders have been invited to share their views before any amendments are finalised.
The DMCC Act shifts responsibility for accrediting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers from the UKGC to the Secretary of State. This change has prompted a review of the current LCCP, which still includes references to the commission’s own list of approved ADR providers. As part of the consultation, the UKGC is considering removing this list entirely, along with a related footnote directing licensees to it.
The proposed amendments will not expand the legal obligations of gambling operators beyond their existing duty to offer free access to ADR services. However, the DMCC Act itself strengthens consumer rights, improves access to dispute resolution, and repeals older regulations like the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The UKGC has emphasised that all feedback will be reviewed before final decisions are made. No public or industry opinions on the LCCP changes have been recorded yet, though the commission recently criticised Meta for failing to detect illegal gambling advertisements effectively.
The consultation remains open for industry input, with the UKGC aiming to implement necessary adjustments in line with the DMCC Act. Once finalised, the changes will update the LCCP to reflect the new accreditation process for ADR providers. Operators will still be required to provide free access to dispute resolution under the revised rules.
