Leeds city centre lost one of its biggest casinos last week after VGC Leeds Limited, the operator of Victoria Gate Casino, had its licence suspended by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Amidst significant concerns over anti-money laundering, the UKGC took decisive and rare action to suspend the license of the casino, as a review of its operations is now underway.
The commission said in a statement last Friday that during a recent compliance assessment, VGC Leeds is “reasonably believed to have failed to maintain and implement effective anti-money laundering policies, procedures, and controls”.
Serious concerns regarding “the adequacy of decision-making processes and the Licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks” were also identified, which the commission said raises questions about VGC Leeds’ overall governance and risk management arrangement effectiveness.
“These failings are considered significant and represent a serious threat to the licensing objectives, in particular keeping crime out of gambling,” the UKGC said in its statement.
“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. The suspension takes place immediately.”
Shutting up shop
Several reports have stated that the Victoria Gate Casino left a note on its door following the licence suspension, notifying customers that it would be closed until further notice.
The notice read, according to the Yorkshire Post: “Customer Notice: We are sorry to confirm that our operating licence has been temporarily suspended by the Commission and our venue is currently closed.
“We hope to open and welcome you back very soon.”
iGaming Expert has reached out to VGC Leeds for comment on the licence suspension from the UKGC.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson told SBC News: “We have been made aware by the Gambling Commission that the operating licence for Victoria Gate Casino has been suspended with immediate effect and that the casino will no longer be authorised to offer any gambling activities.
“As Leeds City Council did not issue the licence in question, all enquiries regarding the action taken against Victoria Gate Casino need to be directed to the Gambling Commission.”
This is the second licence suspension the UKGC has issued in the space of a week, as Spribe OÜ had its licence suspended after it was accused of failing to hold the required licence for the hosting services it was undertaking.
Spribe told iGaming Expert that the issue stemmed from a technical lapse as opposed to any operational wrongdoing.
