The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has handed out fines that total to £14 million to gambling companies over failures to protect problem gamblers and counteract money laundering.Adding to the £7.1 million to Daub Alderney that had already been announced, the UK industry regulator has also slapped a £5.85 million penalty package on Casumo, while VideoSlots will pay £1 million in lieu of a penalty.
Further investigations
There are six more firms still under investigation by the UKGC, with the results of these investigations expected in the near future.On top of that, CZ Holdings has also surrendered its right to provide services in the UK after the Commission undertook a review of its license.While none of the three fines given out are the largest single fine from the UKGC which is still the £7.8 million fine paid by 888, the collective penalty package is far greater than anything the UKGC has handed out before.
Take note
Speaking of the fines, the Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, Jeremy Wright, said:“Any online operator that thinks it can ignore its duty to protect players should take note today – there will be consequences. Protecting vulnerable consumers is our prime concern, and it must be the priority for gambling operators too.“There are robust requirements to safeguard players and prevent money-laundering which all businesses must adhere to if they wish to operate in the British market. I am pleased to see the Gambling Commission taking the strongest possible action when companies fail to meet their obligations.”With the UKGC publicly hardening its stance on operators seen to be failing to comply with regulations, we can safely assume this will not be the last big fine handed out by the Commission.