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CMA Technology

Online gambling firms probed over pay out hurdles

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By John Glenday, Reporter

October 21, 2016 | 1 min read

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into whether any laws have been broken by online gambling firms by erecting hurdles to players attempting to claim their winnings.

Explosive growth in the sector has seen the number of Britons regularly logging in for an online flutter hit 5.5 million, but many are unimpressed with the procedures for obtaining their money when lady luck strikes.

Nisha Arora, the CMA's senior director for consumer enforcement, said: “Gambling inevitably involves taking a risk, but it shouldn't be a con. We've heard worrying complaints suggesting people may be lured into signing up for promotions with little chance of winning because of unfair and complex conditions."

Many gamblers fall foul of the small print in the detailed terms and conditions of gaming sites, which can disqualify certain games from welcome bonuses or set a minimum spend before they qualify for bonuses.

Amongst other concerns raised by the CMA are the fact that betting firms can alter the odds of winning without informing players and impose a strict seven-day window for logging any complaints.

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