UKGC slaps Intouch Games with £3.4m fine for regulatory failings
West Midlands online gaming operator penalised for social responsibility, AML and marketing breaches
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has fined Intouch Games £3.4m for multiple failings across social responsibility, anti-money laundering (AML) and marketing.
The operator, which powers nine UK online casino brands including mFortune and PocketWin, has been ordered to undergo an extensive audit to improve its compliance procedures.
A UKGC assessment of the business unearthed social responsibility breaches including failing to properly interact with seven customers where their activity may have indicated problem gambling.
The Birmingham-based business also stated in its responsible gambling interaction guidance that a bonus may be offered to customers who provide identification.
The firm failed in regard to AML by neglecting to conduct appropriate levels of due diligence and failing to critically review Source of Funds information after it had been requested.
In a breach of SMS marketing terms, Intouch Games failed to state the minimum and maximum deposits for a specific offer, or the time limit for which a bonus offer could be claimed.
The UKGC responded to the failings with an official warning and a fine of £3.4m, while the operator must find a firm of independent auditors to carry out an audit at its own expense.
This is to ensure full compliance with the regulator’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.
UKGC executive director Richard Watson said: “Through our challenging compliance and enforcement activity, we will continue our work to raise standards in the industry and continue to hold failing operators to account.”
The full penalty can be read here.
In response to the fine, Intouch Games said: “InTouch Games is disappointed with the regulatory sanction relating to historic matters in 2019, but is pleased that the Commission recognised at the conclusion that “considerable improvements” had been made since then.
“Going further than simply addressing the Commission’s criticisms, and with the external audit already in hand, InTouch Games has undertaken a full root and branch review of its corporate governance, including the creation of an externally chaired governance committee.
“In the context of social responsibility, it is hoped that the outcome of the consultation and call for evidence by the Commission will give further clarity to this vexed issue.”
In 2019, Intouch Games paid £2.2m towards a UKGC penalty package after failing to put in place effective safeguards to prevent money laundering and keep consumers safe from gambling harm.