A gaming enterprise attempted to evade a substantial penalty levied by the Gambling Commission, but their efforts were in vain.
In September of 2021, the Commission imposed a £5.85 million (approximately $7.25 million) sanction on Daub Alderney for neglecting their obligations related to social responsibility and anti-money laundering protocols. Essentially, they failed to implement adequate measures to curb problematic gambling habits and the potential influx of illicit funds through their platforms.
Daub Alderney protested vehemently, asserting that the penalty was excessive, unjust, and disproportionate to the alleged infractions. They sought legal recourse, hoping for a more favorable outcome.
However, after considering all arguments, Judge Findlay ruled in favor of the Gambling Commission, affirming that the fine constituted “proportionate and essential regulatory action.” In essence, the penalty was deemed warranted.
“I identified multiple serious violations, akin to those observed in 2018, which also resulted in a significant financial penalty,” she elaborated, emphasizing the absence of any compelling evidence to suggest an error on the Commission’s part.
“I discern no improper conduct by the Commission,” she added. “They were merely fulfilling their duty to enforce the law.”
Sarah Gardner, the Commission’s deputy chief executive, conveyed a sense of relief and contentment with the court’s verdict. “Imposing fines is not something we relish,” she stated, “but we will not hesitate to take decisive action against entities that prioritize financial gain over responsible gambling practices and the exclusion of criminal elements from the sector.”
In conclusion, Daub Alderney violated the terms and conditions they agreed to upon obtaining their license in 2021. They were found to be remiss in their adherence to anti-money laundering regulations and failed to uphold their commitment to promoting responsible gambling.
Numerous internet gaming platforms, such as Aspers, Kitty Bingo, Lucky Pants Bingo, Lucky VIP, Magical Vegas, Regal Wins, and Spin and Win, were previously under the ownership of a single entity, Stride Gaming.
From January 2019 to March 2020, one particular platform, Daub Alderney, exhibited shortcomings in adequately monitoring and safeguarding its users against the development of gambling-related issues. This lapse persisted for over twelve months before the UK Gambling Commission, responsible for overseeing gambling activities, initiated an inquiry and brought these deficiencies to light. It is noteworthy that during this timeframe, specifically in October 2019, Daub Alderney and its entire portfolio of sites were acquired by the Rank Group, a significantly larger gaming corporation.
