UKGC warns operators of potential regulatory action over failure to submit regulatory returns

The UK Gambling Commission has warned operators that they may face repercussions if they show persistent non-compliance in not completing regulatory returns or submitting them on time.

The regulator's warning follows over 10 businesses being fined up to £750 since October 2024 for this type of failure. Despite early engagement and the issuing of advice notices, further failures in complying with regulatory returns were identified, noted John Pierce, Commission Director of Enforcement.

“Operators are expected to understand their reporting obligations and must ensure returns are submitted on time via our online portal," Pierce said. “Repeated breaches and persistent non-compliance are likely to result in escalating enforcement action.”

The regulator updated in July last year its Licence Conditions Codes of Practice, requiring all licensees to submit regulatory returns on a quarterly basis. This replaces the previous regime, which called for annual submissions.

The next quarterly returns are due by April 28 and can be submitted via the eServices digital service on the UKGC's website.

In other regulatory news, earlier in the month, the UKGC warned operators of rising money laundering and terrorist financing risks, including AI deepfakes and crypto crash games, in its updated guidance for licensees.

The warning follows penalties imposed on two companies last month for failures related to anti-money laundering (AML) and customer protection.