Is Your Leisure Centre Ready for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act?

3 min read
09-Sep-2025 13:00:00
Is Your Leisure Centre Ready for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act?
3:37
What does DMCCA mean for leisure?
 
From Spring 2026, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) will introduce new rules on how you run memberships and subscriptions.
 

It's all about protecting UK consumers: making it easier to sign up, cancel, and manage subscriptions. For leisure operators, that means your centre needs to be ready, and so does the technology you rely on.

Join our free webinar on 23 September to learn exactly what's changing and how we're building compliance directly into Gladstone.


What's changing for your centre?

The DMCCA is cracking down on confusing sign-ups, sneaky renewals, and clunky cancellations. Here's what you need to deliver: 

  1. Clearer sign-ups
    Show full costs (beyond intro offers)
    Explain renewal terms 
    Highlight when and how charges apply 

  2. Mandatory reminders
    Notify members before auto-renewals, trial ends, or price hikes
    Keep reminders clear, timely, and easy to act on

  3. Easy Cancellations
    If they joined online, they must be able to cancel online 
    No more forcing members to call or visit in person

  4. Ongoing Transparency 
    • Real-time access to billing and plan details
    Regular updates and twice-yearly contract reminders

Fail to comply, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can investigate and fine. But compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties;  it's about building trust and loyalty. 


Why older systems fall short

Older (Gladstone) platforms like Connect and Join@Home weren't built with today's consumer protection standards in mind. That creates friction, such as: 

  • Unclear renewals - members not realising when paid plans begin
  • Manual cancellations - staff still need to process requests

You can create workarounds with third-party tools, but these are clunky, error-prone and risky for compliance.


Why Gladstone Go solves your compliance headaches

Gladstone Go is designed for modern membership models, so you can stay compliant without extra admin.

  • Transparent sign-up journeys - branded, clear, and compliant
  • Automated reminders - alerts before renewals or pricing changes
  • Self-service cancellations - members cancel online, no hoops
  • Real-time plan management - billing and renewal details on demand 

Updates that will begin rolling into the platform from Spring 2026:

  • Twice-yearly contract reminders
  • Built-in auditing tools to prove compliance
  • Dynamic prompts for pricing and contract changes

What your centre should do next

If you're a Gladstone customer still using Connect or Join@Home, we recommend:

  • Reviewing your current sign-up and cancellation process
  • Checking how easy it is to send renewal and price reminders
  • Talking to us about your options for upgrading to Gladstone Go
  • Seek legal advice to ensure compliance

If you're not yet with Gladstone:

  • Assess whether your current system can deliver transparent sign-ups, easy cancellations, and automated reminders
  • If not, speak to our team about how Gladstone can simplify compliance and reduce admin headaches
  • Book a demo to see it in action 

 

If you're already on Gladstone Go:

  • Lucky you! You're already ahead of the curve; we're building DMCCA features directly into Go
  • Keep an eye on our updates for rollout dates
  • Join the webinar to see how these features will work in practice

Your Questions Answered

What is the DMCCA?

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) is a UK law passed in 2024. It strengthens consumer rights by introducing rules for subscriptions and memberships. It comes into effect from Spring 2026.

How does the DMCCA affect leisure centres and gyms?

Leisure centres, gyms, and sports clubs offering memberships or recurring payments must follow new rules: clearer sign-ups, advance renewal and price reminders, easy online cancellations, and ongoing billing transparency.

What are the DMCCA rules for memberships?

Under the DMCCA operators must:

  • Show full membership costs and renewal terms upfront
  • Send timely reminders before renewals or price increases
  • Allow members to cancel online as easily as they joined
  • Provide contract reminders and billing access throughout the year
What happens if a leisure centre doesn't comply with the DMCCA?

Non-compliance could lead to investigations and fines from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Beyond legal risks, centres may lose member trust and face higher cancellations.

Can older leisure management systems handle DMCCA compliance?

Older platforms may struggle to meet the DMCCA's requirements without manual workarounds, which are often clunky and error-prone. Operators using legacy systems should review compliance urgently or speak to their Account Manager about upgrading to Gladstone Go.

How does Gladstone Go help with DMCCA compliance?

Gladstone Go is designed for modern subscription management. It delivers: 

  • Transparent, branded journeys 
  • Automated pre-renewal and price reminders
  • Online self-service cancellations
  • Real-time plan and billing access
  • Upcoming compliance features ready for Spring 2026
     

 

The DMCCA is set to transform how you manage memberships, demanding clarity, transparency, and true self-service for members.

Sign up for our free webinar or book a demo to make sure your centre is ready.  

Brett Cole Headshot

Brett Cole, Head of Regional Sales

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