- At a meeting with the UK Gambling Commission last week, UK internet service providers (ISP) rejected requests that they insert warning pages when customers access non-UK based gambling sites.
- An ISP spokesman explained: “We do not believe that it is for ISPs to decide what content customers should access. It is really important that there is either a proper legal framework when it comes to blocking access to sites”
At a meeting with the UK Gambling Commission last week, UK internet service providers (ISP) rejected requests that they insert warning pages when customers access non-UK based gambling sites.
“We do not believe that it is for ISPs to decide what content customers should access,” explained a spokesman for Talk Talk, one of the UK’s largest ISPs.
“It is really important that there is either a proper legal framework when it comes to blocking access to sites, just like with copyright infringement, or that it is down to customer choice.”
In advance of the introduction of new legislation expected at the end of this year, the UKGC has been exploring options to prevent non-UK licensed operators from targeting its players. The new legislation will require all operators who have UK customers to obtain a license from the UKGC.
“We have been exploring the internet service providers’ approach when faced with clear evidence that sites are unlicensed and engaged in illegal activities,” A UKGC spokesman told the Financial Times.
“At this stage we are just exploring back-up options as we do not expect illegal sites to be a major issue given the attractiveness and width of the legal offer.”
