A UK Gambling Commission investigation into the practices of EU Lotto—owner of Lottoland—has revealed that the company failed to implement correct money laundering procedures and protect its customers from the harms of gambling.
Following the release of the investigation’s findings, the UKGC has opted to fine EU Lotto £760,000 and ordered the company to undergo and extensive audit. The company — which runs the lottoland.co.uk website — also received a formal warning in relation to its conduct between October 2019 and November 2020.
In a press release published on the UKGC website, the commission listed EU Lotto’s breaches of UK gambling laws and social responsibility guidelines.
These included:
- Failing to identify customers who frequently changed deposit limits as potential victims of gambling harm
- Failing to implement affordability assessments to identify those at risk of harm
- Insufficient communications to guide customers towards responsible gambling tools — failure to escalate communications for those that displayed obvious markers of potential gambling harm
- Ineffective analysis of bank statements used as proof of address
- No restrictions on accounts following a source of funds request
- Permitting the use of third-party debit cards
Speaking of the investigation’s finding, Helen Venn, Commission Executive Director, said:
“This case, like other recent enforcement action, was the result of planned compliance activity. All operators should be very aware that we will not hesitate to take firm action against those who fail to meet the high standards we expect for consumers in Britain.”
No details were given of when the company must undergo its audit or when the fine must be paid.
EU Lotto has yet to comment on the fines and sanctions.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.