On January 10, 2024, the UK Gambling Commission fined Gamesys Operations Limited for AML and Social Responsibility Failures.
Gamesys Operations Limited is a gambling business operating 12 websites, including ballycasino.co.uk and jackpotjoy.com. Gamesys was fined USD 7,603,820 following a regulatory investigation conducted by the Gambling Commission in May 2022, revealing failures in identifying customers at risk of gambling harms and conducting adequate AML checks.
The breaches occurred between November 2021 and July 2022.
Anti-money laundering violations include:
- Inadequate due diligence, reliance on third-party info and verbal assurances.
- Customers evaded AML triggers, deposited large sums without necessary checks.
- The ‘Reinvestment of winnings policy’ lacked effectiveness in preventing funds from potentially illegitimate sources, not just winnings.
The following social responsibility failures were included:
- Gamesys failed to consistently identify customers at risk of gambling harms due to-
- Inappropriately relying on bankruptcy history as an indicator of gambling harm.
- The deposit limit system did not quickly identify risks for certain customers, allowing substantial losses within short timeframes. Examples include £8,255 deposited in three days, £5,968 lost in five weeks, and £17,482 lost in 34 days after account opening.
- Gamesys neglected interactions with customers at risk of gambling harms.
- Interacted with a customer after £10,000 loss, promoting new games.
- Conducted one interaction with a customer losing £19,709 over five months.
- Insufficiently detailed records of interactions and decisions, contrary to responsible gambling procedures.
Gamesys will undergo a third-party audit to ensure the effective implementation of anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies.
