Rank Loses UK Fine Appeal

This story was published more than 1 year ago.

Gaming operator Rank Group has lost an appeal to the UK Gambling Commission and will be forced to pay a hefty £5.8 million fine that it was issued last year.

The fine came in September of 2021 for various anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings that took place between January 2019 and march 2020. The company appealed the fine, saying the penalty was excessive and disproportionate. The case went to the First-Tier Tribunal and was heard by Judge Jacqueline Findlay, who ruled the fine was fair and reasonable.

In her ruling, Judge Findlay said, "I find that there were serious breaches which were similar to the breaches for which a substantial financial penalty was imposed in 2018 and there are no new facts which persuade me that the decision was wrong.

"I find that the (Commission Regulatory) Panel did not err in law and complied with its statutory obligations."

The UKGC issued comment on the decision, with Deputy Executive Director Sarah Gardner saying: "We do not take the decision to fine gambling companies lightly but we will always take firm, decisive action against operators who fail to follow rules aimed at making gambling safe and free from crime."

About the author

Therese Williams // UK Correspondent
Therese Williams
Therese is a fervent fan of slot machines and pub fruities, often trying her luck at some of the top online casinos. She covers news for Casino Listings with a focus on the UK and Europe. Therese studied arts and creative writing at university and has written for newspapers in the UK.
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usbarbadosslim93 Recently online: 12 min ago
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14 December 2022 - 8:48pm
#1

I mean, that's a pretty hefty fine. I reckon I'd appeal too just on the chance it'd be reduced or dismissed.

lvblck
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17 December 2022 - 3:14pm
#2

Oh wow I don't remember hearing about this fine but it's a hefty one for sure. But of course UKGC is quite known for their heavy fines.

ieadrianooo231
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25 December 2022 - 11:22pm
#3

Would have been worth trying for an appeal ,
Over £5,000,000 is really hefty!!