GAMBLING-COMMISSION

Bookmakers reminded of licence responsibilities at Cheltenham Festival

The UK Gambling Commission has reminded on-course bookmakers at the Cheltenham Festival of their operating licence responsibilities, particularly concerning anti-money laundering and cash handling. Licensees must adhere to policies and report suspicious activities.

Gambling Commission Operator Data on Market Impact

The UK Gambling Commission has published operator data on gambling behaviour covering March 2020 to December 2025. The data compares Q3 2025-26 with Q3 2024-25, showing shifts in Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) and betting activity across online and in-person gambling.

Consultation on Regulatory Settlements Destination Update

The UK Gambling Commission is consulting on updating the destination of regulatory settlements, proposing to direct them to the Consolidated Fund. This change aligns with the new statutory levy and the wind-down of GambleAware.

Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes to Depart

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, has announced his departure effective April 30, 2026. His tenure oversaw significant reforms, including consumer safeguards and the implementation of the Gambling Act Review. The Commission will begin recruiting a new Chief Executive.

Gambling Commission Speech on Industry Changes and Future Relationship

Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission, delivered a speech at the BGC AGM on February 26, 2026, discussing industry changes, the departure of the Chief Executive, and the Commission's future relationship with the gambling sector. The speech highlighted ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling and foster collaboration.

Videoslots Limited Fined £650,000 for AML and Social Responsibility Failures

The UK Gambling Commission has fined Videoslots Limited £650,000 for significant Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and social responsibility failures. The operator also received a warning and must undergo a third-party audit to rectify systemic issues in customer monitoring and AML controls.

Gambling Commission suspends Deadheat Racing operating licence

The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of Deadheat Racing Limited due to concerns over licensing objectives, including suspected social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings. The suspension is immediate and requires the operator to focus on consumer fairness.

Done Brothers (Cash Betting) fined £825,000 for AML and social responsibility failures

The UK Gambling Commission has fined Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Limited, trading as Betfred, £825,000 for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures. The operator will also undergo a third-party audit to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Man receives suspended jail sentence for illegal WhatsApp bookie

The UK Gambling Commission reports that Haydon Simcock received a 30-week suspended jail sentence for operating an illegal WhatsApp bookie business. He was also ordered to pay £230,000 in compensation and £60,000 in costs for failing to pay a customer's £269,000 balance.

Paddy Power Betfair Fined £2m for Social Responsibility Failures

The UK Gambling Commission has fined Paddy Power Betfair £2 million for social responsibility failures. The settlement resolves an investigation into customer interaction systems that failed to identify and address gambling harm in several instances, leading to significant customer losses.