Don’t miss two timely reminders from the UKGC

In its current fortnightly e-bulletin, the Gambling Commission has issued the following timely reminders.

The first is a reminder to non-remote operators to submit their age verification test purchase results immediately if they have not already done so, bearing in mind that the deadline for submission was 12 May 2022:

Age verification test purchase results reminder

Operators who have not yet submitted age verification test purchase results are being reminded that they must do so immediately.

Social Responsibility Code Provisions require non-remote bingo, AGC, FEC and general betting standard operators in fee category C or higher, and all non-remote casino operators regardless of fee category, to have submitted the results by 12 May.

Guidance on the submission of age verification test purchase results is available on our website and the data should be emailed to testpurchaseresults@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Following on from a previous reminder in April, the second relates to the time imperative applicable to Change of Corporate Control applications and key event notifications, particularly given the Commission’s intention to take a harsher attitude with effect from July:

Change of Corporate Control reminder
The Commission is reminding operators they must notify us of a Change of Corporate Control (CoCC) by means of a key event within five working days of the event happening and apply for a change of control within five weeks of the change taking place.

Currently, upon receipt of a late CoCC application, the Licensee is given an opportunity to explain the delay and an extension to apply has been granted where an adequate and reasonable explanation has been given. However, an increase in the complexity, and number, of applications means we will be taking a stricter approach to late submissions.

From July, where the explanation is considered not to be adequate or reasonable, there will be a refusal to grant an extension and revocation in instances where the new controller is unknown to the Commission and is not:

  • regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or
  • an immediate family member entering a small family business.
Read more about a change of corporate control