UKGC-And So The Shake Up Begins!

[Garf79]

I posted a while ago that the UKGC announced a new Chief Executive, a man by the name of Andrew Rhodes. I said in that post that he would bring changes to how online gambling is operated in the UK and possibly further afield if other countries regulators follow the British route for tackling problem gambling. Many other countries look to the UK as they make changes to gambling regulation and either follow what the UK does or change the new legislation slightly as necessary to suit the needs of their population. SO what have the UKGC been up to?

Well the UKGC have started making internal changes into the way licensing works, they have restructured their operating procedures. In previous years each individual gambling operator in the UK has had its very own personal account manager. The account managers are employed directly by the UKGC and effectively looked after all of the gambling operators licensing needs to run a casino legally in the UK.

The restructuring that the UKGC has made makes me think one of two things or possibly even both and that is that there has been some corruption in the UKGC ranks and/or there has been a lot of incompetence when it has come to dealing with online and land based casino operators in the UK. So the changes that have been made are that the individual operation managers have been removed and replaced with a team management model. The UKGC work force has been split into 4 sections that each oversee a different area for managing online casinos licensing. This takes away one persons total control for an individual gambling operator and instead puts all regulating and licensing processes through a group management model, that is able to look at the regulatory areas for a number of operators in more depth.

Below are the four areas that will be managed differently by the UKGC:

 

In theory the changes made by the UKGC should make it much easier to implement new regulations restricting how gambling operators carry on about their business and ensure that the regulations are adhered to. In my experience when any big organization like the UKGC makes internal changes like these it will take a long time for the ship to sail smoothly. Meaning that there is likely to be some confusion and mistakes made at the UKGC offices at the start. Once the UKGC has reshaped their internal staff structure and are up and running be ready for some strong new regulations. Like I have said already changes are coming! But for better or for worse I am no entirely sure.

 

[Garf79]

I thought t was worth while attaching the full article from the UKGC website for all to read. It is fair brief and you will have to read between the lines like I did to make your own mind up why they are changing the way they currently work.

 

Quote

 

Changes to the way Licensing works

27 June 2022

To keep up with increasing demand and to make best use of resources, Licensing is making changes to the way it operates.

What is changing?

We are moving away from the current model, where each operator has a dedicated account manager. This means that operators will no longer have an individual point of contact. Licensing will comprise of four sub-groups, each of which will be responsible for different areas of work. These are:

1. The Operating Licence New Group - responsible for processing applications for new operator licences,
2. The Change of Corporate Control Group – responsible for processing applications relating to changes of ownership and control for existing operators,
3. The Operating Licence Vary Group - responsible for processing applications relating to changes to existing operator licences, and
4. The Personal Licence group - responsible for processing all applications relating to personal licences.

Why is Licensing changing the way it is working?

We are changing our working practises to make the best use of our resources. By working in this way, we hope to be able to process applications more quickly. We also hope to be able to resolve queries more efficiently and effectively.

How do I submit an application?

The way in which applications should be submitted has not changed. Where an online service exists, applications must be made online. Information of the different online services is available in the Digital Services section of website . For applications where an online service does not exist, these must be made by email to licensing@gamblingcommission.gov.uk. We are no longer able to accept applications by post.

I have a question about an application I have submitted, who should I contact?

Once your application has been allocated to a caseworker, they will email you with their contact details and provide an estimated timescale for determination. If this timescale changes, your caseworker will let you know. If your application has not yet been assigned to a caseworker, queries should be directed to the licensing@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.

I have a general query not related to an application, who should I contact?

All general queries not related to an application should be sent to us either via our online contact form or by calling 0121 230 6666 (from outside the UK call us on +44 121 230 6666).