The regulatory entity for UK gambling, the Gambling Commission, recently pronounced sanctions against an internet-based gambling operator. It affirmed that the decision had been made to suspend the license of In Touch Games Limited, the managing firm responsible for an array of online gambling brands, including bonusboss.co.uk, drslot.co.uk, casino.mfortune.co.uk, casino2020.co.uk, and cashmo.co.uk amongst others.
Per the statement released by the Commission, this suspension occurs simultaneously as the firm is under scrutiny pursuant to the section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. The cause of both the scrutiny and suspension are fueled by apprehensions on whether In Touch Games contravened the set gambling regulations.
The UK’s gambling regulatory body is set to carry out an inquiry to ascertain whether the operator violated its license terms, particularly focusing on areas such as money laundering. Furthermore, it is set to investigate if In Touch Games complied with the mandated regulations in relation to reporting key events and adhering to fair and transparent practices and terms.
Declared on September 1, 2023, the Commission articulated that the suspension took immediate effect and concurs with section 118 (2) of the Gambling Act. In addition, it anticipates that the operator will prioritize dealing with its consumers fairly and keeping them adequately informed of any updates influencing them.
“Following the review, the suspension has been raised due to apprehensions that the activities could have been conducted contrary to the Act, have not been in accordance with the license conditions. Furthermore, there’s a suspicion the Licensee may be unfit to carry on the licensed occupations. The operator is suspected of failing to adhere to license conditions concerning money laundering, transparent and fair terms and practices, and reporting of key events,“
states a proclamation from the Gambling Commission
In Touch Games Imposed With Two Fines by the UKGC
This isn’t the first time In Touch Games has faced regulatory disciplinary measures from the UK gambling regulator. Earlier this year, a hefty fine amounting to $7.5 million was slapped on the company by the Commission, citing violations of anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility guidelines.
In 2021, another financial penalty was imposed on In Touch Games for the same AML and social responsibility violations. This earlier penalty was some $4.3 million, thus bringing the aggregate financial penalties for the company to approximately $12 million.
The Gambling Commission released its financial report for the fiscal year 2022/2023 the previous month. It indicated that an impressive 23.6 million adults in the nation took part in gambling activities between April 2022 and March 2023. Even with such high gambling participation numbers, the prevalence of problem gambling stayed relatively low at 0.3%.
