Betting made the headlines today with the very welcome news that the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) are opening an investigation into unfair bookmaker practice. Here is how the BBC covered the story.
This represents a huge step forward for our Better Betting Campaign and major credit must go to Brian Chappell from the Justice4Punters group, who has been quoted extensively in the media today. As well as being a major contributor to our campaign, Brian has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of unfair bookmaker practice.
The CMA has the power to make sweeping changes from ensuring bookmakers adhere to fair terms and conditions, through to compelling them to take bets from all punters. This latter point is perhaps more unlikely, yet if enough people raise it with the CMA, it could possibly be something they might like to scrutinise further.
You can read the full CMA case on their investigation here – and they are inviting those of you with an experience to share to get in touch with them. Here is how you can contact them:
“We would like to hear from you if you have experience of these issues. Please contact us at Gambling@cma.gsi.gov.uk and state clearly in the subject line of your email whether the information relates to sign-up promotions, altered odds or cancelled bets, or terms that restrict the ability to claim.”
All told, today’s news is a very positive move forward for punters everywhere and we welcome the investigation.
Find Out More About Unfair Bookmaker Practice
You can find out more about some of the issues raised by unfair bookmaker practice via SBC’s Better Betting Campaign.
This includes a free downloadable report, entitled ‘Getting On’, which includes the results of a recent survey on bookmaker restrictions, advice from Brian Chappell on removing bookmaker tracking software and an interview with Simon Rowlands of the punter-focused, Horseracing Bettors Forum.
Peter Ling
Smart Betting Club Editor
