Deadheat Racing has been forced to cease operations by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) over anti-money laundering (AML) concerns.

The suspension affects both the operator’s remote and non-remote licences, and is effective immediately – with the Commission launching an investigation into potential social responsibility and AML breaches of the UK 2005 Gambling Act.

“The review and consequent suspension follow concerns that activities have been carried out in a manner which is inconsistent with the licensing objectives, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities,” the UKGC statement read.

“We have made it clear to the operator that during the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them.”

Commission tightens regulatory belt

The UK gambling regulator has doubled its enforcement efforts over the past year, with Deadheat Racing being the latest gambling firm to find itself in hot water over AML-related concerns.

A £10m penalty was handed over to FDJ-owned Platinum Gaming back in October in a similar case of social responsibility and AML shortcomings. Land-based Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds also had its licence suspended due to a review of its AML procedures – although the latest update from the UKGC has confirmed that it has lifted the suspension due to rigurous changes in the casino’s compliance policies.

Another high profile penalty of £2m was given to Spreadex Limited earlier in May over similar shortcomings.

Most recently, international iGaming provider Videoslots was hit with a £650,000 penalty in relation to licensing failures, whilst shortly prior to that NetBet Enterprises settled another £650,000 penalty with the UKGC over a list of AML breaches.

The above are only a number of the regulatory actions that the Commission has taken against operators and suppliers this year, which is not surprising given that the UK gambling market has to protect its reputation as one of the most developed markets in the world.

Companies are constantly being placed under high scrutiny, and those looking to operate in the market should be ready to demonstrate utmost compliance.