UK Gambling Commission Flexes its Muscles

For a long time, it could have been argued that the UK Gambling Commission’s bark was far worse than its bite as it sometime seemed that online bookies and casinos that are licensed to do business in the UK, were pushing the boundaries as to what they could get away with in terms of looking after customers who may have been experiencing problems with their online gambling habits.

In April 2022, the chief executive of the UKGC, Andrew Reynolds, delivered a warning to operators that the regulator would show no mercy if they found any organisation to be failing to meet the industry standards that had been set.

Big Fines for Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play

In what should be regarded as a sign that the UKGC means business with these warnings, massive fines have been issued to Jumpman Gaming and Pragmatic Play.

It was found that both of these companies failed to comply with the codes of practice and licence obligations which had been put in place by the Commission and as a result, Jumpman Gaming were fined £500,000 and Progress Play £175,718.

An example of one of the failings was connected to money laundering and financing terrorism whilst in an example of failing to look after the welfare of their customers, a Jumpman Gaming player lost £20,000 six weeks before the necessary checks were carried out to ensure that the player could afford to lose such large amounts of money.

Jumpman Gaming and Progress Play run a total of 444 sites between them and as well as the fines, they have been told that if they continue in failing to meet industry standards, further sanctions will be imposed.

Goldchip Limited Has Licence Suspended

The Gambling Commission have taken things one step further with the online operator, Goldchip Ltd, by suspending their licence which basically means that they are no longer allowed to operate, pending a review.

Whilst the Commission has not shared information regarding the details of the review, it is thought to be that anti money laundering failing as well as a lack of social responsibilities form the basis of the investigation.

The operators website, Goldchip.com will not be allowed to operate whilst the review is taking place but customers will be permitted to log in to their accounts to withdraw any funds.

Head to Head with Camelot

The UK Gambling Commission are also in a legal battle with the UK National Lottery provider, Camelot, over the lottery selection.

Camelot, who have held the licence for 28 years, have stated that if the UKGC selects Allwyn Entertainment as the new licensee for the National Lottery, they will more than likely go bankrupt.

It is also estimated that the legal battle will result in a cost to the UKGC of over £950,000