source: UKGC The Buzz Group which operates the popular bingo site Buzzbingo.com has been slapped with a £780,000 fine by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for failures by the Buzz Group relating to social responsibility and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures.
As well as the penalty fee, the Buzz Group also received a formal warning for the failures which occurred between October 2019 and December 2020.
One of the cases cited by the UKGC was of one customer who was allowed to deposit £22,400 in five days without a “meaningful interaction” by the operator of one of the UK's top bingo sites.
Helen Venn, the UK Gambling Commission Executive Director, said:
“As a regulator we expect all operators to effectively implement policies and procedures which make gambling safe and crime-free. Every single gambling business should be aware that we do check that these are in place and are being adhered to. If they are not, we will take action.”
Buzz Group CEO Says “Issues Have Now Been Addressed”
Dominic Mansour, Chief Operating Officer, Digital, Buzz Bingo responded to the warning and the fine by saying:
“One of Buzz Bingo’s core values has always been to put players first and protect those that are vulnerable. Buzz Bingo is fully committed to ensuring it meets the highest standards of compliance across its digital platform buzzbingo.com, including its anti-money laundering and social responsibility obligations.
“The fine from the Gambling Commission relates to legacy issues that have now been addressed. Buzz Bingo has reviewed and overhauled all its compliance measures and is confident that current policies and processes now meet the standards set. Moreover, Buzz Bingo has increased its current and ongoing investment to enhance all its risk and compliance processes to continually improve player protection.”?
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
