In some instances, betting can lead to problems and Sporting Index is committed to taking responsible steps to discourage and reduce the occurrence of problem gambling. Sporting Index is regulated by the Financial Services Authority and one of their overriding objectives is to secure an appropriate degree of protection for all Sporting Index clients.
Code of Conduct
1. Age Verification
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1.1 |
Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, Sporting Index is required to have procedures in place to ensure that the identities of all its clients are properly verified and sufficient information is gathered and recorded to permit Sporting Index to 'know its clients'. Sporting Index will take steps to confirm the age and identification of every new customer by using electronic verification software including voters' roll information. |
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1.2 |
Sporting Index clearly displays an 'over 18's only' sign on all the home pages of its various sites. This signage links through to a page with a clear message about underage play. |
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1.3 |
Through the registration process there is a clear message regarding underage play and the steps the company takes to check on age. This acts as a good deterrent to put minors off trying to access a company's sites. Such a message is in the 'over 18's only' link. In addition, all applicants are asked to confirm on the application form that they are over 18 years old. |
2. Advertising and Promotional Material
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2.1 |
All advertising and promotions are compliant with the relevant Financial Services Authority rulebook and advisory codes of practice. This includes appropriate risk warning notices on all promotional materials. |
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2.2 |
Advertising does not target those under the age of 18. This includes not just content but placement of advertising as well. |
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2.3 |
All advertisements and promotions give a balanced message with regards to the possibility of winning and losing. Advertisements specifically confirm that clients may lose more than their initial stake. |
| 2.4 |
At no time is it suggested that gambling is a means of solving financial difficulties. |
3. Client trading limits
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3.1 |
Sporting Index has developed internal controls and procedures to: (a) identify where client risk is incurred; (b) for the approval of incurring such potential risk and once incurred; (c) for the monitoring of that risk to ensure the satisfactory exposure of the client. |
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3.2 |
All clients request their own trading limits and either deposit funds or are given credit against which they can trade. Credit limits are initially given based on the strength of information held with the credit reference agency that we use, Experian. If clients want to extend their credit facility then we will ask them to produce suitable evidence of funds to ensure that any credit provided is suitable. |
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3.3 |
Sporting Index sets expected volatility limits for all its bets and gives credit at its discretion where requested by clients. As part of Sporting Index account operating rules, clients warrant that they will not exceed their credit limit or deposit balance. |
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3.4 |
Sporting Index has developed a product range and account options to suit the different demographics within its client base so that targeted promotion can take place. Clients can also chose a 'stop loss' account so that their losses are limited within agreed parameters in the case of an unusual or volatile result. |
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3.5 |
When clients reach their trading limits, Sporting Index's trading software has automatic warning limits built in which inform the operator that a particular bet could take the client over his trading limit. The client will be advised that he is approaching or exceeding his limit. |
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3.6 |
If clients want to increase their trading limit, they are required to inform Sporting Index in writing and show appropriate evidence of funds. |
4. Self-exclusion
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4.1 |
Clients are able at any point in time to exclude themselves from making any bet on any site. |
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4.2 |
Once a client has requested for his account to be suspended or closed, this is performed immediately with any balance on the account paid back and the client is taken off appropriate promotional mailing lists. |
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4.3 |
Clients must request in writing if they subsequently want their accounts to be re-opened. |
5. Social Responsibility and Client Protection Information
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5.1 |
Sporting Index's home pages contain a link to this code of conduct. |
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5.2 |
Sporting Index's home pages also contain a link to the Financial Services Authority's website, risk warning notice and at the bottom of the home pages an appropriate risk warning statement is displayed. |
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5.3 |
Sporting Index has a complaints handling procedure that has been drawn up in consultation with the Financial Services Authority. This clearly states what actions clients have to take if they want to make a complaint against Sporting Index . |
| 5.4 |
Clients are required to acknowledge that they have read and understood Sporting Index's risk warning notice before proceeding to open an account. |
| 5.5 |
If you feel that your gambling is getting out of control, then please read the section below 'Recognising a Betting Problem'. |
6. Client Accounts
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6.1 |
Clients can only have one account with Sporting Index. |
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6.2 |
Clients are able to access their recent account history, including all deposits, withdrawals and bets. |
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6.3 |
The 'free to play' game displays the same links to this code of conduct as the 'play for cash' display. |
| 6.4 |
There is a clear message that the 'play for free' is for over 18's only. |
7. Monitoring and Complaints
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7.1 |
All Sporting Index's sites and promotional material are subject to regular review by the Financial Services Authority. Sporting Index is required to report on six monthly intervals the number of complaints it has received, the nature of the complaint and the time taken to respond. |
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7.2 |
Sporting Index has in place a Compliance Monitoring Programme which seeks to ensure that the company complies at all times with the relevant rules and guidelines of the Financial Services Authority. |
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7.3 |
Sporting Index's account operating rules apply to all clients who open an account with Sporting Index and every client is asked to acknowledge that they have read and understand them. In the event of any perceived conflict between them and this code of conduct, the account operating rules shall always apply. |