The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced that it has reinstated the license of Victoria Gate Casino. The property’s authorization to offer gaming was suspended due to certain anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) concerns.
The License Was Suspended Due to Regulatory Shortcomings
A few weeks ago, the UKGC announced that it had suspended the operating license of the Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds. The commission initiated a review into the gaming property, citing significant AML and CTF failings as the reason.
The Gambling Commission elaborated that it had identified “serious concerns regarding the adequacy of decision-making processes and the licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of its governance and risk management arrangements.”
As a result, Victoria Gate Casino confirmed its temporary closure, saying that it was hoping to reopen very soon.
The UKGC asked the casino to make sure that customers are fully informed and treated fairly until the lifting of the suspension.
The suspension of Victoria Gate Casino’s license came amid a period of intense regulatory action from the UKGC, which had just suspended the license of Spribe due to certain violations of the UK’s hosting requirements. The provider acknowledged the suspension and noted that it will cooperate with the regulator to rectify the issue.
The Casino Regained Its License
On November 25, the UKGC confirmed that Victoria Gate Casino’s license has been reinstated. According to the authority, this followed significant remediation measures taken by the Leeds property’s operator.
Among other things, the casino introduced leadership changes and remained committed to improving its workplace culture. The property updated its policies and introduced improved staff training to avoid similar failings in the future.
In addition to that, Victoria Gate Casino is set to employ the services of an independent auditor within the next few weeks.
By the afternoon on the same day, the casino reopened, welcoming guests once again.