The UK Gambling Commission has fined online casino operator In Touch Games for social responsibility, money laundering and marketing failures.
Along with a fine of £3.4 million, In Touch Games was also ordered to undergo extensive auditing by an independent auditor for failing to adhere to the Social Responsibility Code (SRCP) and Licence and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
The company — that runs bonusboss.co.uk, cashmo.co.uk, casino.mfortune.co.uk, casino2020.co.uk, drslot.co.uk, mfortune.co.uk, mrspin.co.uk, pocketwin.co.uk and slotfactory.com — was found to have failed in their responsibility to help seven customers who had shown signs of problem gambling.
The Gambling Commission also found that In Touch Games had failed to ensure effective decision making procedures were implemented when dealing with the seven customers. The commission noted that the customers deposit activity should have been flagged but was instead ignored.
In a press release on the Gambling Commission website, it was also revealed that the operator failed to carry out the correct due diligence checks on a customer’s source of funds nor did it take it account the risks associated with payment providers that act as a cryptocurrency exchange.
The commission was also critical of In Touch Games’ SMS marketing messages. The investigation found that the messaging failed to state minimum and maximum deposit limits for a bonus offer which is a clear breach of rules.
Speaking of the investigation and subsequent fine, Richard Watson, executive director of the Gambling Commission, said:
“Through our challenging compliance and enforcement activity we will continue our work to raise standards in the industry and continue to hold failing operators to account.”
The news follows a tough week for the Gambling Commission after it came under fire following the collapse of Football Index with some MPs calling for a complete overhaul of the gambling industry and legislation.
Earlier this week, chief executive Neil McArthur unexpectedly left his role with the gambling commission. Deputy chief executive officer Sarah Gardner and chief operating officer Sally Jones have taken on the joint role of acting chief executive officer on an interim basis.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.
