Online Gambling Websites Under Fire by UK Regulators for Text Spam

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has given notice to some 400 online gambling firms that they must explain how customer personal data is being used.

In particular the Commission will be cracking down on a recent spate of unsolicited text messages originating from Web gambling sites.

"Companies must comply with the law when using people’s personal information. Not knowing the law or trying to pass the buck to another company in the chain is no excuse," said anti-spam investigations boss David Clancy. "The public expect firms to be accountable for how they obtain and use personal data when marketing by phone, e-mail, or text. Fail to be accountable and you could be breaking the law, risking ICO enforcement action and the future of your business."

Affiliate marketing programs are especially being scrutinized.

The Commission is also probing complaints over customer information breaches.

Fines of up to £500,000 could be levied against those firms in violation.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com