The UK Gambling Commission has commenced a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 and, under section 118 of the Act, has decided to suspend that part of Operating Licence number 000-002604-R-104107-004 (Gameaccount Global Limited) relating to remote casino activity, whilst the review takes place. The suspension is apparently an interim measure, the need for which will be kept under consideration during the review.

The Commission has also undertaken a joint operation in the north-west of England. Together with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) further enquiries are being conducted after six gaming machines were seized in a joint operation in the Manchester, Preston and Salford areas. The Commission, with support from councils in Manchester and Preston councils, HMRC and officers from Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police, identified the machines in five different premises as part of an ongoing Commission investigation into the alleged illegal supply of gaming machines.

The Commission’s Regional Compliance Manager for the north-west, Alan Green, said: “Businesses supplying or making gaming machines available for use without a licence risk action from the Commission or its co-regulators. This is another good example of joint working helping us to combat the illegal supply of gaming machines and our investigation into the source of these gaming machines is active.”

HMRC spokesman Ron Barrie added: “These machines will now be destroyed. We estimate that the unpaid amusement machine licence duty on these machines will be over £5,000. In addition, the businesses concerned will also have to pay a penalty of £250 for each unlicensed machine. There are many business owners who are genuinely not aware that it is not just as simple as buying a gaming machine and setting it up. We urge people to make sure they only deal with suppliers who are properly licensed by the Gambling Commission.” (E-04.01.10)

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