The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is suspending the the online betting and casino licenses of the parent company of Lotteries.com. International Multi-Media Entertainments Ltd, which is based on the Isle of Man, was informed this week that their license was being suspended (not revoked) based on concerns that the operation has been in violation of UK anti-money laundering regulations. It’s just the most recent dramatic action from what has been a very busy bunch of commissioners at the UKGC.
In an official statement, as reported on by SBCNews.com, the Commission said, “We have instructed the operator to ensure that it facilitates customers’ accessing their accounts to withdraw any funds and we remain in contact with them regarding the need for clear and updated messaging for consumers.”
Company officials were instructed to stop taking new customers and new action, but to keep their operations open enough for customers to withdraw their funds if necessary. The company was also “asked” by the UKGC to post notices about the suspension on their website. As of this writing, and according to our colleagues at CalvinAyre.com, the company had not yet complied with that part of the suspension.
Exactly what the UKGC saw in Lotteries.com that caused them to suspend their license, and thus their operations, isn’t exactly clear. The terms “AML” and “social responsibility” cover a tremendous amount of ground for the UKGC but it’s possible they saw funds being deposited without a clear paper trail, or self-excluded players being allowed to register for accounts. These are areas which the UKGC has been hitting very hard lately and have resulted in record fines and license suspensions for other operators.
For now, it’s unclear how long the suspension will last.