Single customer view moves step closer after data concerns allayed

The introduction of a 'single customer view' (SCV), under which information from different gambling operators can be shared to prevent customers from losing unaffordable sums, has moved a step closer after the Gambling Commission was advised such a system could work under data protection law.

An SCV is regarded as being a vital innovation if affordability checks for gamblers spanning more than one operator are to be introduced, and following the news the government called on the industry to swiftly come up with a solution.

However, it is not yet clear who would oversee the data under such a system – although there have been suggestions a new independent Gambling Ombudsman could take up the role – raising fears that such information sharing could lead to winning punters being more easily identified and restricted.

In February last year more than a hundred experts from the gambling and technology industries met at a two-day Gambling Commission event in Birmingham to discuss the issue, with the industry regulator calling on the online industry, represented by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), to find a solution.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has now told the Gambling Commission that "the sharing of behavioural data between gambling operators in order to identify individuals who may be 'at-risk' of gambling-related harms via the SCV may be lawful".

Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller

Executive director Tim Miller said the Gambling Commission was pleased that the ICO had been able to provide assurances "that requirements on data protection need not be a barrier to making progress".

He added: "We now look forward to the industry rapidly starting to pilot and then evaluate the approach they have developed to meet the challenge we have set of achieving a single customer view."

In response a spokesperson for the BGC said: “We note the report from the Information Commissioner's Office and will now work through its findings in detail. Work on the industry's own trial has been ongoing for some time, and we now look forward to progressing with it in discussion with the Gambling Commission and ICO."

The government is in the midst of a review of gambling legislation and Chris Philp, the minister overseeing the industry, welcomed the news.

He said: "We are determined to tackle problem gambling and we are undertaking a comprehensive review of our gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age.

"I welcome the Information Commissioner’s Office findings that data can be shared safely and securely between operators to prevent problem gamblers running up crippling losses.

"It is essential that more action is taken to prevent people becoming dangerously addicted to gambling to the point that lives can be ruined.

"This is an important step towards protecting vulnerable people and operators must now come together to quickly deliver a meaningful solution."

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