We regularly write articles for industry and legal journals & magazines, including commentaries for Online Gambling Lawyer & iGaming Business, a monthly “Licensing Expert” piece for SBC News and a fortnightly page for Pub & Bar and, with their permission, are reproducing them on our website, together with our own news items and reports on topical issues affecting the leisure and gambling industries.

5th AML Directive to be implemented by 10 January 2020.

On 19 April 2018, as part of the European Commission’s February 2016 Action Plan to strengthen the fight against terrorist financing, the European Parliament adopted the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (“5AMLD”). On 19 June 2018, the final text of 5AMLD was published. EU members will have until 10 January 2020 to transpose 5AMLD into national law. As matters stand, the […]

Imminent 5 July deadline to ensure games data is up to date and accurate

The Gambling Commission’s Games Register was launched on Tuesday 5 June and is automatically accessible to all gambling software licence-holders through e-services. It: replaces the current test report and RGI submission process, as a result of which the Commission no longer requires game test reports to be submitted by email and serves to satisfy the requirement to report […]

David Clifton quoted in MoneyLaundering.com casinos article

David Clifton is quoted in a MoneyLaundering.com article entitled “Despite Record Fines, UK Gaming Firms Still Do Not Vet Client Funds: Regulator”, that can be downloaded below. Commenting on the Gambling Commission’s report into enforcement action that it has taken against licensed gambling operators over the past year (about which we reported yesterday) David says: “The Commission’s patience has worn extremely thin that […]

How to avoid regulatory enforcement action by the Gambling Commission

We reported yesterday on publication by the Gambling Commission of its first ever report into enforcement action that it has taken against operators over the past year. That report highlights the Commission’s current major regulatory concerns: Anti-money laundering Customer interaction Self-exclusion Unfair terms and practices Marketing and advertising Illegal gambling In relation to the first five of the above items, […]

Gambling Commission publishes its enforcement report 2017-18

The Gambling Commission has today published a report into enforcement action that it has taken against operators over the past year. The report can be downloaded below and a short explanatory video featuring the Commission’s CEO Neil McArthur can be viewed on YouTube. The report is essential reading for all gambling operators licensed by the Commission because […]

Update on the Pubs Code Adjudicator inquiry

Pursuant to its inquiry into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator (“PCA”), on 26 June 2018 the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (“BEIS”) Committee received oral evidence (a transcript of which can be downloaded below) from the PCA, Paul Newby, and his deputy, Fiona Dickie. The oral […]

Children, young people and gambling

In a document entitled “Children, young people and gambling” (that can be downloaded below), the Gambling Commission has today set out its response to advice from Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (“RGSB”), intended to ensure that the right protections are in place to reduce the risk of harm to children and young people. The Commission has called for all […]

House of Commons Library publishes FOBT briefing paper

A House of Commons Library briefing paper has been published that looks at the controversy over fixed odds betting terminals. It represents a convenient summary of what has led to last month’s announcement by the Government that the maximum stake on FOBTs will be reduced to £2 from £100. The briefing paper (that can be downloaded below) […]

We can help gambling operators facing AML and SR issues and investigations

Today’s announcement of a £2million penalty package being imposed on 32Red for anti-money laundering (“AML”) and social responsibility (“SR”) failings underlines yet again the Gambling Commission’s frustration that gambling operators have still not learned from the failings of others in these respects as recorded in public statements dating back to 2013. We have very considerable […]