UKGC outlines new rules to tackle gambling-related crime

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) national regulatory body has announced a series of new rules designed to help prevent crime associated with gambling.

Due to come into force later this year, the new rules are the result of a UKGC-led consultation that took place at the end of 2015.

The rules state that gambling operators licensed and active in the UK market must now conduct an assessment of the risks of money laundering in their business and demonstrate they have effective policies, procedures and measures to mitigate these.

Operators will also be required to report to the UKGC any criminal investigations involving them or their premises where it appears their measures to keep crime out of gambling have failed.

In addition, the rules state that operators should impose terms and conditions to prevent staff from taking advantage of suspicious or irregular betting patterns.

The UKGC also said that it is considering whether to require licensees to provide information about crimes not covered by the changes, as this could be useful in regards to social responsibility considerations.

Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the UKGC, said: “Britain’s gambling industry needs to focus on keeping crime out of gambling and these new requirements will help them do just that.

“We are urging all operators who supply products to consumers in Britain to read our document on the changes thoroughly and ensure their businesses are ready for when they come into force in the autumn.

“Along with ensuring their products are fair and open and children and vulnerable people are protected, preventing crime associated with gambling should be extremely high on every operator’s agenda.

“These new requirements encourage licensees to take a proactive and tailored approach to meeting their obligations to achieve meaningful results rather than focusing on processes alone.”

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