Online casino operators were hit with £6.85 million more in fines and settlements on Thursday as the gambling watchdog stepped up its crackdown on the sector amid fears over money-laundering.
Malta-based operators Casumo was ordered to pay £5.85 million and Videoslots agreed to a voluntary penalty package of £1 million for failing to put in place effective safeguards against criminals potentially using the sites to launder illegal cash, as well as preventing vulnerable customers from pumping more cash into online slots. The latest action follows a recent £7.1 million penalty for Daub Alderney, part of the AIM-listed Stride Gaming Group.
Another Malta-based online casino operator, CZ Holdings, has surrendered its licence to operate in Britain after the watchdog began a review. Since 2014, all firms offering casino games to UK players must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission.
The regulator has also written to nine further operators over their conduct while more fines could be on the way as a further six are still under investigation. Individual bosses are also being targeted.
Commission chief executive Neil McArthur said “a large number of operators and their senior management” were falling foul of the rules. He said: “Everyone in a gambling business must understand its policies and procedures and take responsibility for properly applying them.”
Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright added: “Protecting vulnerable consumers is our prime concern.”
- Update: This story was amended at the request of Videoslots to clarify that it agreed a voluntary payment in lieu of a fine. 11/12/18
