Record £7.8m fine for igaming operator 888

The commission’s investigation found: "Due to a technical failure in 888’s systems, over 7,000 customers who had chosen to self-exclude from their casino/poker/ sport platform were still able to access their accounts on their bingo platform.”

"The issue went undetected for a prolonged period of time, meaning customers were able to deposit £3.5m into their accounts, and then continue to gamble, for over 13 months. While 888 did have self-exclusion procedures in place, they were not robust enogh and failed to protect potentially vulnerable customers,” the statement added.

"888 also failed to recognise visible signs of problem gambling behaviour displayed by an individual customer, which was so significant that it resulted in criminal activity. The lack of interaction with the customer, given the frequency, duration and sums of money involved in the gambling, raised serious concerns about 888’s safeguarding of customers at-risk of gambling harm,” the commission ended.

Sarah Harrison, chief executive at the Gambling Commission, said: "Safeguarding consumers is not optional. This penalty package of just under £8m reflects the seriousness of 888’s failings to protect vulnerable customers.”

The penalty package of £7.8m includes repayment of the £3.5m of deposits made by the self-excluded customers and compensation of £62,000 to the employer from whom money was stolen.

A further £4.25m will be paid to a socially responsible cause to invest in measures to tackle gambling-related harm. In addition, the commission said it has ordered an independent audit of 888’s processes relating to customer protection.

In a statement, 888 said: "The company has been working cooperatively with the UK GC throughout its review and has concluded a voluntary regulatory settlement with the UK GC. The company accepts the conclusion of the review and is committed to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience.”

Source: GMB