Bingo Codes of Practice
As part of the licensing agreement, the UKGC has a specific code of conduct for bingo operators. This code of conduct applies to both online bingo sites and land-based bingo halls. These Code of Conduct are very strict and its main purpose is to protect the customer. These codes are detailed rules and regulations that contain practical elements of the bingo game, including social and moral responsibility. Following are some important information about the codes of practice for Bingo games.
- Bingo operators or operators need to treat customers fairly, and always communicate with customers in a cooperative manner. Don't hide any information from customers, so they can make informed decisions about their participation.
- Always cooperate with the Gambling Commission in an open way. Implement all the rules and laws set in the regulatory framework of the Commission.
- As a bingo operator, you need to act responsibly, especially with the participants of the game. Organize the event in a way that minimizes the safety risks involved in the game.
- Always verify the age of the participants and make the verification process more effective, it can protect children from the bad effects of gambling.
- An operator must need to provide self-exclusion measures, time outs in their bingo platform.
- Non-commercial bingo cannot be organized on a premises which already has a gambling licence from UKGC, such as casinos, and bingo halls.
Organizing Bingo game on an alcohol licence
Bingo can only be played on alcohol-licensed premises as an exempt gaming. The purpose of these provisions is to prevent bingo from becoming a major commercial activity on the premises of illegal gambling. When someone organizes a Bingo game in a pub on an alcohol licence, he cannot extra charge the participant without his consent. Online Providers such as Prize Land Bingo dont need to worry about the Alcohol licencing. Prize Land Bingo provide free bingo games as well as a host of interesting alternative prizes.
- There is a limit on the participant stake, a single player can only stake £5 per bingo game.
- Under 18s players cannot participate in that type of bingo game in a pub.
- If the winning prize of the bingo game exceeds £2,000 then the organizer needs a bingo operating licence for that game. The game with over £2,000 winning prize is called a high turnover bingo game.
- The bingo organizers need to inform the gambling commission about the high turnover bingo game. Otherwise UKGC can take legal action against these bingo organizers.
How to apply for a bingo operating licence
The bingo operating licence allows you to provide bingo games to consumers through online or a bingo hall. To obtain an operating licence for a bingo game, you need to submit a bingo operating application via the Gambling Commission UK. First you need to register with the online application system of Gambling Commission and pay a registration fee. To make the application process faster, UKGC has an online application system for bingo operators.
After submitting your application for a licence to the Gambling Commission, if your application is complete and you meet all of the Commission's requirements, you can expect 15 to 16 weeks to complete the process. If your application is rejected for any reason, the Commission will refund your registration fee with a rejected report. You can reapply for a licence once this issue has been resolved. Dont forget to read some of our Bingo Trivia on our free resource section.
Hopefully, this article provides you with a brief overview of how the Gambling Commission regulates and protects the user of bingo games within the UK. If you want to play the bingo game to win, you should always choose a licensed bingo operator. A licensed bingo platform will not only give you fair gameplay but also legal protection.