Competition watchdog in gaming action

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking enforcement action against online gambling companies suspected of breaking consumer law.

The CMA said punters are not getting the deal they expect from sign-up promotions, and some operators are “unfairly holding on to people’s money”.

Sign-up promotions are designed to attract players on to casino-like gaming websites by offering bonus cash when they put in their own money.

The move follows a joint programme with the Gambling Commission and comes amid concerns that promotions offered by some online bookies come with terms and conditions that are often “confusing and unclear and, in some cases, may be unfair”.