Deputy leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson has set out his plans to establish a new Gambling Ombudsman to oversee the UK industry and has also repeated calls for certain iGaming operators to reapply for their licenses.
Watson, spoke through the proposals Wednesday (June 18), during a meeting with the Demos independent cross-party think tank, explaining that the ombudsman will focus on consumer protection in the industry.
The proposed ombudsman would also be given the power to adulate in disputes between operators and consumers, as well as being able to award financial compensation to players.
Watson, has once again spoken out on his desire for all operators licensed by the GB Gambling Commission since 2014, in order to reapply for permits to operate in the UK.
Last month, Watson admitted that he was keen for all licensees to reapply, but has opted to to target so-called white label operators, which are active in the UK under a service provider’s license, as well as those with minor UK operations which invest in sports sponsorship.
Watson wrote in Parliamentary magazine, The House: “If they fail to demonstrate corporate responsibility or adequate measures to prevent harm, these operators should face what I call the ultimate sanction: not just a fine, but the revocation of their licence.
“I believe that a UK gambling licence should be a hallmark of credibility and trust.
“It should not be seen as a platform for overseas operators to use the reputation of British sport as a marketing tool for their own domestic audience, whereby the benefits of the UK market are enjoyed, but nothing is given back to address the harm that is caused.”
He added: “I want to see fairness in the market, consistency in legislation, and a reduction of harm. Instead I see the opposite. This is particularly true when it comes to online gambling.”
