Scrap online ‘free bets’, firms warned

GAMBLING firms must end misleading online “free bet” offers or face compulsory regulation, the competition watchdog has warned.

It follows an investigation into complaints that betting firms have been “trapping” players’ money and making them play for longer.

The changes mean players will not need to play multiple times before they can withdraw their own money.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) started an inquiry in 2016 into whether the £4.7billion online gambling sector broke consumer protection law through the promotions.

The offers were designed to attract players to casinolike gaming websites, such as roulette and poker, by giving bonus funds when players put in their own money.

Leading firms Ladbrokes, William Hill and PT Entertainment have agreed to change the promotions.

George Lusty, CMA project director, said: “Firms mustn’t stack the odds against players by putting unfair obstacles in their way or making it difficult for them to stop gambling.”

Companies must now ensure any restrictions are made clear to players and cannot rely on vague terms to confiscate players’ money.

William Hill said: “We welcome the standards and principles that the CMA has outlined and look forward to their adoption across the industry.” Ladbrokes said the new rules would improve transparency.