UKGC probes online operators over protection efforts
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is to investigate 17 online gaming firms regarding their approach to anti-money laundering and social responsibility.
In a letter to all online casino operators active in the UK market, the UKGC has raised concerns over the processes currently in place to address such issues.
The move comes after what the UKGC described as a “thematic review” to see how well operators are meeting current obligations.
As a result, the UKGC has now opted to further investigate 17 operators, with five of these at risk of facing a licence review, should the regulatory body deem this action necessary.
Sarah Harrison, chief executive of the UKGC, said: “It is vital that the gambling industry takes its duty to protect consumers and keep crime out of gambling seriously.
“The Gambling Commission’s new strategy sets out our vision for a fairer and safer gambling market.
“The action we are taking to examine online casino operators’ compliance with money laundering and customer interaction requirements is just one example of how we will be relentless in turning that vision into reality.”
Harrison added: “As the online sector continues to grow, and now accounts for a third of the British gambling market, it is right that we maintain a sharp focus on online gambling.
“That is why in addition to our work on compliance among online casino operators, we have also been conducting a wider ranging review of online gambling looking at how the market has evolved and to identify where further action can be taken to make gambling fairer and safer for consumers.”
In November, the UKGC also issued a call to gambling operators to take further action to ensure they are protecting customers from gambling-related harm.
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