The UK Gambling Commission has undertaken the largest enforcement action in its history, issuing record fines to online casinos and banning individuals from operating gambling companies. This comes after investigations uncovered serious failings within systems designed to prevent money-laundering and protect customers.

Record Fines

The total fines imposed on Daub Alderney £7.1 million ($9 million), Casumo £5.85 million ($7.48 million) and Videoslots £1 million ($1.27 million) dwarfs the previous record fine issued by the commission, £7.8 million ($10 million) issued to gaming company 888 in 2017 and reflects the seriousness of the commission’s findings.
Another company, CZ Holdings, will no longer be able to offer gambling services to the UK market after surrendering its license following a review by the commission. Several other operators have been issued with warning letters and six more are still under investigation, while several high-ranking members of the targeted organizations have surrendered their personal licenses.

Growing Industry

British players spent £4.7 billion ($6 billion) in 2017, up 1.8% from the previous year, with further growth expected in the sector this year. The growth in this sector, brought about by the growing number of gambling platforms available to players, has pushed the commission to take steps to protect consumers and ensure that operators are acting within the law. Jeremy Wright, the secretary of state for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said:

Any online operator that thinks it can ignore its duty to protect players should take note today – there will be consequences. 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.