One of the big names in the online gambling industry has been struck with an all time record fine for violating protection against vulnerable customers.
Following BBC's report, the regulatory body found "significant flaws" in the company's social responsibility policy and process which effect around 7,000 players. Apparently these players have self excluded them selves from being able to gamble any more but a loop hole existed that enabled players to gamble at the operator's bingo platform.
This situation triggered a megalithic fine from the gambling commission of more then $10m, £7.8m to be exact, which is the an all time high for a penalty fine. Here is what Sarah Harrison, CEO for the Gambling Commission had to say;
"Our requirements are that every company must provide the facility for every customer to be able to bar themselves from gambling. These 7,000 looked to do that. But 888 didn't deliver it as effectively as they should have done."
She also added that; "this penalty would ensure that lessons are learnt"
The Gambling Commission also released some details about one particular case were a player wagered more than £1.3m of which £55,000 of them where stolen from hi employer!. This player we are talking about played from three to four hours a day over a span of 13 months with insanely huge number of bets.
The Gambling Commission showed serious concern about the customer care and interaction of such a huge name in the business that did not intervene in a situation where there was an obvious problem. Considering the large amount of money involved including the duration and the frequency of such bets, 888 should have assessed the situation closely and acted in a humanly manner.
£62,000 of the penalty package will be refunded to the employer from whom money was stolen while another £4.25m will be given to a socially responsible cause for further investment in measures to tackle gambling-related problems.
On the other hand, 888 stated that it had been co-operating with the regulatory throughout the whole investigation while highlighting that "888 is committed to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience". This co-operation resulted in the voluntary settlement from 888 thus acknowledging and accepting to pay the fine imposed by the Gambling Commission.
