The director of a Ross-on-Wye-based gaming company accused of promoting allegedly unfair scratchcards has defended the firm’s position.
Lucky Strike Games Ltd, McIntyre & Dodd Marketing Limited, The Winners Club Limited and Dodd Marketing Limited were issued with high court proceedings last week by the Office of Fair Trading.
The department has accused them of “deceiving” customers but Adrian Williams, common director of all four firms, says they have an “excellent record” of compliance.
He said: “The companies referred to have been operating lawful and enjoyable promotions in the UK for a significant period, in one case since 1987.
“They have an excellent record of regulatory compliance and have set the standard for best practice in the sector with a reputation for outstanding customer care.
“In the past two years the companies have awarded over £2.7 million in cash to satisfied participants in their promotions, and customer feedback is consistently and overwhelmingly positive.”
They have been accused of promoting “misleading” material but Mr Williams says that the Office of Fair Trading has changed its position to scratchcard gaming.
He added: “In 2007 the companies agreed specific formulae for promotional advertising with the Office of Fair Trading and have adhered to these specific guidelines ever since.
“The OFT has now reassessed the formulae and has sought assurances drafted in non-specific terms that the companies do not believe will provide them with regulatory certainty.
“Whilst the companies’ preference would have been to reach agreement through dialogue it became clear that discussions were not going to provide the certainty required.
“Therefore the companies elected not to provide the assurances sought by the OFT in anticipation that court proceedings would be issued.
“Proceedings have now been issued and the companies welcome these as an opportunity to gain definitive legal interpretation and explicit direction from the courts and of avoiding ambiguity and inadvertent breach in the future.”
