BGO Entertainment has agreed to change the way in which it offers bonus promotions, following a Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation.
Relating to consumers who play “casino-like games online”, the adjustments give users the ability to access and release their own money.
The study, carried out in conjunction with the Gambling Commission, aims to ensure that the £4.7bn online gambling sector “is not breaking consumer protection law in its promotions”.
It has been detailed that the firm has given formal commitments that the terms and conditions of its bonus promotions is to be cleared up, while significant restrictions to players will be prominently flagged up.
BGO has also set out a three point plan, stating that it will not have terms which:
- Require people to play multiple times before allowing them to withdraw their own money
- Prevent them from withdrawing their full balance by minimum withdrawal limits
- Could oblige players to take part in publicity.
In addition, a separate agreement has been reached, with terms which could be used to unfairly change promotions after players have opted in also to not be used.
Before entering into these fresh commitments, BGO has previously made changes to address certain CMA concerns, such as removing restrictions on winnings from cash deposits.
George Lusty, CMA Senior Director for Consumer Protection, said: “Gambling firms should not have terms that could be used to catch players out by unfairly changing their promotions after a customer has opted in.
“We are therefore pleased that BGO has pledged to make these important changes. Following the CMA’s action, the gambling industry is rightly taking steps to overhaul online terms and conditions that could be misleading or unfair.”
This follows the industry being told to raise its game last month, with the CMA and Gambling Commission warning that gambling firms must “stop unfair online promotions that trap players’ money.
Three operators, Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment, duly committed to make recommended changes.
