The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has disclosed a £300,000 penalty has been issued to Casino 36 for “serious failings” in their anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility (SR) policies and procedures. 

Following an investigation by the UKGC, which focused on a period from 10 November 2017 to 8 October 2018, it was found that the licensee had failed to enforce and comply by AML and SR regulations.

Richard Watson, UKGC executive director, commented: “As a result of Casino 36’s failings stolen money could have flowed unchecked through their casino and vulnerable customers were placed at risk of harm. This is simply not acceptable.”

It was uncovered that the operator failed to guarantee secure checks on “customer enhanced due diligence, source of funds and source of wealth” for 33 of its customers.

Furthermore, Casino 36 had failed to ensure “sufficient customer interaction” took place when signs of problem gambling were evident.

“Operators have to understand their customer base. This can only be achieved if they know their customers and ask the right questions to meet both their anti-money laundering and social responsibility obligations,” Watson concluded.

Casino 36 accepted the settlement which will see the operator divest a total of £147,741 and make a further £152,259 payment in lieu of a financial penalty which the Commission would otherwise impose for breaches of the licence conditions and codes of practice. 

Management license holders at the land-based casino must also undertake “extra training” as part of the penalty package.

In addition to this, Casino 36 will have “further conditions” added to its operating licence.