PPB Counterparty Services Limited, a subsidiary of Paddy Power and Betfair, has been fined £490,000 by the UK Gambling Commission for marketing to self-excluding customers. The commission found that the company had sent over 11,000 marketing emails and text messages to customers who had self-excluded from gambling.
Self-exclusion is a process where a customer can ask a gambling company to exclude them from gambling for a set period of time. This can be done voluntarily or at the request of the customer. The aim of self-exclusion is to help people who have a gambling problem to take a break from gambling and seek help if needed.
The UK Gambling Commission takes self-exclusion very seriously and expects gambling companies to do the same. Companies are required to have robust procedures in place to prevent self-excluded customers from gambling and to ensure that they do not receive any marketing materials.
In the case of PPB Counterparty Services Limited, the commission found that the company had failed to comply with its social responsibility obligations. The company had not implemented effective procedures to prevent self-excluded customers from receiving marketing materials. The commission also found that the company had failed to take appropriate action when it became aware of the issue.
The fine imposed on PPB Counterparty Services Limited is a reminder to all gambling companies of the importance of complying with social responsibility obligations. The commission has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take action against companies that fail to meet these obligations.
In response to the fine, PPB Counterparty Services Limited has issued a statement apologizing for its actions. The company has also said that it has taken steps to improve its procedures and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The UK Gambling Commission has also reminded customers of the importance of self-exclusion. Customers who feel that they have a gambling problem can use self-exclusion as a tool to help them take a break from gambling and seek help if needed. The commission has also encouraged customers to report any gambling companies that they believe are not complying with their social responsibility obligations.
In conclusion, the fine imposed on PPB Counterparty Services Limited by the UK Gambling Commission is a reminder to all gambling companies of the importance of complying with social responsibility obligations. Companies must have robust procedures in place to prevent self-excluded customers from gambling and to ensure that they do not receive any marketing materials. Customers who feel that they have a gambling problem can use self-exclusion as a tool to help them take a break from gambling and seek help if needed. The commission will continue to take action against companies that fail to meet their social responsibility obligations.
