UK Gambling Commission Suspends Lotteries.com’s Operating License

  • Parent company Multi-Media Entertainment had its operator's license immediately suspended
  • UKGC currently investigating firm's social responsibility and anti-money laundering policies
  • Efforts form part of nationwide push to make gambling businesses more socially responsible
red stamp on notepad reads suspended
The UKGC has suspended the operating license of Lotteries.com’s parent company as it reviews its social responsibility and anti-money laundering policies. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Investigation into potential failures

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has suspended the operating license of Lotteries.com’s parent company, International Multi-Media Entertainment Limited.

The move comes as part of the UKGC’s review of the gambling license under which the firm trades as Lotteries.com. The decision to investigate is based on section 118(2) of the Gambling Act of 2005, which relates to the operator’s ability to “offer remote facilities for Remote casino and remote general betting standard (real event).”

concerns over the parent company’s anti-money laundering and social responsibility policies

The license suspension relates to concerns over the parent company’s anti-money laundering and social responsibility policies. The UKGC will carry out a full evaluation before the operator can offer its services to the public again. 

Suspension with immediate effect

The suspension of International Multi-Media Entertainment Limited’s license is active immediately. The UKGC has informed the operator that it should ensure that all customers can still get full account access to withdraw funds.

The commission will be regularly updating the company on the progress of the investigation and ascertaining that Lotteries.com is fully transparent with its customers about ongoing developments.

The operator has not issued any public response following its license suspension. It had plans for an update of the existing platform, with communications in February maintaining that the transition would take place over a period of four weeks. The company said it would not be accepting any deposits or allowing customers to place any bets during that time.

Ongoing crackdown by the UKGC

The UKGC has been working hard in 2020 to crack down on any errant gambling operators in the country. Already in March, it put the license of Stakers Ltd on hold. 

part of a wider push to make gambling businesses more socially responsible

In February, Addison Global Limited had its licenses suspended. This led to its MoPlay brand having to sell its customer base in the UK and Ireland to Betfred. February also saw the Matchbook gambling platform lose its license for unclear reasons. 

The UKGC’s efforts are part of a wider push to make gambling businesses more socially responsible, punishing those platforms that are not compliant. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *