UKGC Withholds Betfair Regulatory Action Data
Regulator cites cost exemption for a separate query while withholding information on complaints and rulings against the major operator.
A Freedom of Information request for details on regulatory actions against Betfair has been refused by the UK Gambling Commission. While the regulator cited cost limits for refusing a separate part of the request, it provided no specific reason for withholding the operator-specific data, leaving consumers without access to its compliance history.
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UKGC Refuses to Release Betfair Complaint History
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has withheld information regarding regulatory actions taken against major operator Betfair. In a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated 22 February 2024, the regulator refused to provide details on complaints and subsequent rulings involving Betfair Limited and its associated entity, TSE Malta LP.
While the UKGC cited cost and time constraints for refusing part of the request, it offered no specific justification for withholding the information directly related to Betfair's regulatory record.
Context: Why This Data Matters
Transparency from the Gambling Commission is essential for consumer protection. Access to an operator's history of regulatory actions, which can include failures in social responsibility or anti-money laundering, allows customers to make informed decisions about where they gamble. Betfair is one of the UK's largest and most well-known gambling brands, making the transparency of its regulatory record particularly important for a large number of consumers.
Details of the FOI Request and Response
The request was submitted in two parts:
- Details of all complaints and rulings resulting in regulatory actions against Betfair Limited and/or TSE Malta LP over the last 20 years.
- Details of all regulatory changes for licensees over the last 20 years up to July 2021.
The UKGC's response focused entirely on the second part of the request. It stated that fulfilling this query would exceed the appropriate cost limit of £450, which equates to 18 hours of staff time, as it would require reviewing a large volume of documents. This refusal was made under Section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act.
Crucially, the response did not apply a specific exemption or provide any reason for withholding the information requested in part one concerning Betfair. The official outcome for the entire request was 'Information withheld', but the justification provided only addressed the second, broader query.
The Commission also noted that its electronic records only date back to its formation in 2007, as no electronic files were transferred from its predecessor, the Gaming Board.
Significance: A Lack of Transparency
The refusal leaves a significant gap in the public record. While refusing overly broad requests on the grounds of cost is a standard procedure for public bodies, the failure to address the specific request for information on a major licensee is notable.
By not providing a reason for withholding the Betfair-specific data—such as stating that no such records exist or applying a different legal exemption—the UKGC has left consumers and observers without clarity on the operator's historical compliance. The response directs the requester to refine the second part of their query but makes no mention of the primary request about Betfair's regulatory history.