The High Stakes of Non-Compliance: UK Gambling Operator Fines Skyrocketing

Find the complete lists of the largest UKGC fines from 2020 to 2023. Discover why UK Gambling operator fines happen & how they can improve compliance! (Image courtesy of PublicDomainPictures on Pixbay)

The list of multi-million sterling UK gambling operator fines imposed by the UKGC is growing at an alarming rate. And below, I have some of the biggest fines dished in a table below.

But… Why are they happening? And why are some companies acting too late?

Is it a competition to see who can get the biggest fine?

Clearly, it’s not a competition! However, this news piece was instigated by my recent news of the AGCO fines in Canada. Someone commented that in that report I went easy on the offenders – two of them who operate under the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensing and the AGCO – namely LeoVegas (one of my favourite casinos), and ComeOn!

The consensus – they should act more responsibly. There’s no excuse for today’s tech. So, I’ve looked into the topic further. I have to say, after a deeper look into the real reasons behind these non-compliance fines, you can’t help but feel that there really is no excuse for these failures. Rather it is a sign of a lack of urgency, and also outdated and complex processes.

With that being said, I can confidently say from my many years of experience working in the online gambling industry, in no uncertain words, operators do take compliance seriously. It just appears they are implementing a reactive rather proactive systematic approach to correctly applying regulatory/compliance guidance within the ranks of these firms.

Don’t worry – I am getting to the list of the UKGC regulatory fines! Scroll down if you are in a hurry! There’s William Hill (888 Holdings), Entain, Betway, and Ceasars and the list is shocking!

What are these operators missing to end up with huge fines?

It’s a common theme. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA), Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag or GlüStV), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and other domestic licensing authorities are all implementing new rules.

• The growing focus on problem gambling: Regulators are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of gambling on vulnerable customers. As a result, they are enforcing more stringent regulations, such as requiring operators to carry out extensive checks to identify problem gambling behaviour.
• Money laundering and KYC procedure failures: Another reason for the fines is the failure of operators to comply with regulations regarding money laundering and KYC procedures. As online gambling grows, so does the risk of financial crime, leading regulators to take steps to tackle the issue.
• Advertising breaches lead to fines: Some operators have been fined for advertising breaches, as there are strict rules governing the content and placement of ads. Non-compliance has attracted negative media attention and significant fines from regulators.

Find regulatory authority information: If you want to know more about the UKGC, MGA, and how online gambling authorities protect casino players, see the safest online gambling sites guide.

Biggest Fines by the UKGC

Help is out there! Companies Exist to Assist with Compliance

Skipping costs and cutting corners could also be the reason. Ideally, funds should be dedicated to fulfilling compliance using experts in the field. I’ve worked in the corporate world, and sometimes cost approvals (even those as urgent as compliance) can involve a mountain of paperwork, meetings, and signatures approving the allocation of funds. All this turns into a disaster.

And it isn’t like help isn’t out there if these operators don’t mind outsourcing. They already use companies like iTech Labs and BMM Testlabs to gain Random Number Generators (RNG) test certificates and ISO compliance to pass information security management system (ISMS) to certify security and compliance practices. Avoiding outsourcing to these companies is now something these companies can no longer risk.

• 888 Holdings for example: Its quarterly and yearly financial earnings as well as its stock prices have taken a severe beating due to recent compliance failures resulting in a massive £19.2 million fine. Luckily, it’s a land-based business through William Hill that performed outstandingly in 2022 post-pandemic.

The key to avoiding fines: A genuine commitment to safer gambling. The real reason for these failures is that companies haven’t demonstrated a genuine commitment to following the rules. Protecting customers goes beyond meeting minimum requirements; it involves embracing a culture of safer gambling at every level.