GC suspends retail bookmaker Martin Henry Bailey’s licence

Bailey operates one active shop, Bailey’s Racing in Basildon, though had previously operated other shops across the country.

The regulator suspended the non-remote betting licence that covers Bailey’s Racing, saying “activities may have been carried out contrary to the [Gambling] Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities”.

“We have made it clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and that the suspension does not prevent paying out winning bets placed by consumers prior to suspension,” the Commission added.

Bailey had previously received a warning and a £5,000 (€5,848/$6,920) financial penalty in November 2019, for employing his 17-year-old son at Lingfield Park racecourse and for filing false documents relating to his age.

The suspension is effective immediately.

Last week, the regulator suspended the licence of PlayerFT, operator of online fantasy sports brand Fiveyards. It said the operator had failed to integrate with Britain’s national self-exclusion system. Integration with Gamstop has been mandatory for all GB licensees since 31 March, 2020.