UK casino operator's license suspended by the Gambling Commission

• VGC Leeds Limited's operating license was suspended by the Gambling Commission, the UK's gambling regulator
• The watchdog claimed that a recent Compliance Assessment raised concerns about deficiencies related to anti-money laundering
• According to the Gambling Commission, VGC Leeds' failings were "significant" and represented "a serious threat to the licensing objectives"

The gambling license of a company operating a Leeds, West Yorkshire casino was suspended by the UK Gambling Commission, the country's gambling regulator, citing "serious concerns" related to anti-money laundering and related policies.

VGC Leeds Limited's license suspension is with immediate effect

On Friday, the gambling watchdog confirmed the suspension of the gambling operating license of VGC Leeds Limited.

Suspending the operator's license, number 000-043603-N-322897-005, the Gambling Commission said that a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 is taking place.

According to the Commission, the recent review and suspension follow a probe that raised concerns about activities in contradiction of the country's gambling laws or such "not in accordance with conditions of their license and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities," as explained in a statement.

The UK gambling regulator confirmed that the suspension of VGC Leeds Limited's operating license is with immediate effect.

The gambling watchdog explained that a recent Compliance Assessment into VGC Leeds Limited raised concerns related to the effectiveness of implementing anti-money laundering policies, controls and procedures.

The Gambling Commission reiterated that such compliance is crucial and it is also one of the conditions for VGC Leeds Limited's gambling operating license in the UK.

"In addition, serious concerns were identified 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," the Commission further wrote.

The Gambling Commission deemed the operator's failings as significant

Per the gambling regulator's announcement, those failings were considered "significant" and recognized as a "serious threat to the licensing objectives, in particular keeping crime out of gambling."

The Commission explained that VGC Leeds Limited was notified about the suspension of its operating license.

For the duration of the suspension, the operator is expected to keep its customers informed of any developments that may affect them and ensure fair treatment.

The latest regulatory decision comes after last week, Spribe, the developer of the world's most successful casino crash games, Aviator, was also affected by a license suspension in the UK.

At the time, the Commission said that Spribe needs to immediately discontinue hosting activities and give notice to its partners.

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