Evolution Gaming just acquired NetEnt which prompted an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), over concerts that the situation could lead to a diminution in competition for the environment regarding iGaming across the region.
Evolution threw around an statement when they bid for the casino games developer back in June where they said that they were aiming to become “the world leader in the online gaming industry”
This resulted in the CMA to step in and analyse if all this will result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in the UK market.
Evolution said it had hoped to complete the acquisition by November this year, however, this was prior to the CMA’s decision to launch the investigation.
This move from the CMA comes obviously from the concerns raised by the Gambling Commission about breaches of consumer law which also raised concerns for online gambling in general.
Nisha Arora, CMA Senior Director for Consumer Enforcement said: “gambling inevitably involves risk, but it shouldn’t be a con. We’re worried players are losing out because gambling sites are making it too difficult for them to understand the terms on which they’re playing, and may not be giving them a fair deal. We are now investigating whether firms are breaking the law.”
She continued: “Around 5.5 million Britons gamble online and they must be treated fairly. We’ve heard worrying complaints suggesting people may be lured into signing up for promotions with little chance of winning because of unfair and complex conditions. We’re now working closely with the Gambling Commission to examine this more closely.”
