Several racecourse bookmakers that were facing some monetary fines for accepting bets from underage test customer at the Royal Ascot in 2019 will not have to pay them, as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) had decided to reduce their punishments.
The regulator of the UK gambling sector shared it had made the decision amid the significant challenges that are being faced by on-course bookmakers due to the coronavirus crisis.
Last summer, the UKGC carried out test purchasing at the Royal Ascot, with a 16-year-old individual was able to place a £5 wager with seven of the 17 bookmakers that were targetted by the regulatory check. As a result, the seven bookmakers involved in the bets had been imposed monetary fines of 2.5% of their annual gross gambling yield, with one of the fines expected to be worth over £7,000.
However, the racecourse bookmakers have faced financial pressure because of the fact they were unable to operate since the racing in the UK has not been available due to the massive nationwide shutdown. Instead of imposing the fines, the gambling watchdog has decided to instead warn the operators or send them “advice to conduct” letters.
The Gambling Regulator to Continue Monitoring of the UK Gambling Sector
A spokesperson of the UKGC reminded that the protection of children and young people from gambling-related harm is one of the top priorities for the Commission. He further noted that the impact of the exceptional commercial challenges and the ongoing market uncertainty for on-course bookmakers, the gambling regulatory body of the UK had made the decision to review the sanctions that were initially imposed on the above-mentioned seven gambling operators.
The spokesperson of the watchdog reminded that the Commission would continue to monitor the industry very closely. The regulator warned that it would not hesitate to take actions in case future failures are identified.
The UKGC decision to show a sense of mercy and let go of the previously imposed monetary fines on the seven on-course bookmakers was welcomed by Robin Grossmith, director of the Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers. He further noted that the operators were very pleased with the chance to have their mitigation pleas heard and, eventually, get off the hook.
Mr Grossmith explained that the punished bookmakers had perhaps felt they suffered penalties that were too heavy for their transgressions but the UKGC had made a balanced decision after taking all factors and the current situation into account.
To some, the decision of the Gambling Commission came as a surprise, because so far, the regulator has not been so lenient with other licensees who have broken the rules. However, considering the negative economic impact that the coronavirus outbreak is having on gambling operators because of the nationwide shutdown that has left the UK racing inoperable.
- Author
Olivia Cole
