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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has imposed a PS7.1 million penalty on online operators 32Red Limited & Platinum Gaming Limited as a result of social responsibility and anti-money laundering violations.
32Red Limited will pay PS4,195.655 to 32red.com while Platinum Gaming Limited will pay PS2,937.599.
Following the investigation by the Commission, both were also issued an official warning.
Kay Roberts, the Gambling Commission’s Executive Director, stated: “These failures clearly highlight that both operators failed in their interactions with customers in ways which minimize the risk of them suffering harms associated gambling.
“Our investigations also revealed that policies and procedures were not followed, both in relation to customer accounts and anti money laundering practices.
“Ultimately, it’s an example that all gambling operators should be aware of in order to ensure their customers are protected at all costs.”
32Red did not enforce responsible gambling and failed to identify and protect problem gamblers.
One customer lost PS36,000 after depositing PS43,000 within one week.
32Red will often accept the word of the customer that they can afford their level gambling without further checks.
32Red failed to take the required measures to prevent money laundering (Information on the Payer Regulations 2017, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds).
Platinum Games provided a way for self-excluded and blocked customers to avoid the ban by creating a separate account.
Customers with gambling problems were also ignored by the operator.