One of the biggest casinos in Leeds’ city centre is operational once more, as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has lifted the suspension of VGC Leeds Limited’s licence, the operator of Victoria Gate Casino.
The casino had its licence suspended earlier this month by the UKGC due to significant anti-money laundering concerns, commencing a review of its operations.
However, that suspension has now been lifted by the commission, as of earlier today, following widespread changes by the operator.
The UKGC stated that VGC Leeds was “reasonably believed to have failed to maintain and implement effective anti-money laundering policies, procedures, and controls” when suspending the operator.
This included “the adequacy of decision-making processes and the Licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks”, with the commission noting that this raised questions about the operator’s overall governance and risk management arrangement effectiveness.
Widespread changes
Victoria Gate Casino has its licence once more following improvements, but monitoring of its operations will continue to ensure it stays compliant with regulatory requirements.
“On 25 November 2025 the suspension of VGC Leeds Limited’s licence was lifted following significant action taken by the operator,” stated the UKGC.
“This has included widespread changes to the casino’s leadership, AML and compliance supervisors, implementation of new anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies and procedures, improved staff training on AML and social responsibility, and a commitment to undergo an independent audit within six weeks.
“During the course of the ongoing review, the Commission will continue to monitor the operator closely to ensure full and sustained compliance with the Licensing requirements is achieved.”
Videoslots AML fine
While Victoria Gate Casino is now allowed to operate once more, Videoslots Limited, the operator of Videoslots, Mr Vegas and Mega Riches, has been ordered to pay £650,000 for AML and social responsibility failures.
A UKGC investigation found that one customer was able to fund their account in excess of £75,000 using digital pre-payment vouchers, before transferring the proceeds of their gambling activity to four different bank accounts.
Despite the presence of these high-risk factors, the customer’s automated AML risk score did not trigger the threshold for the operator to request source of funds information promptly, “leading to unacceptable delays in an account review taking place”.
The investigation also found failures with Videoslots’ deposit limit mechanism, as well as its monitoring systems not identifying customers who are at risk of potential gambling harm effectively.
As a result, the operator received a financial penalty, a warning and will undergo a third-party audit to ensure AML and safer gambling policies and procedures are being implemented.
