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Read Full BioThe UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has fined ProgressPlay, a white-label gambling operator, £1 million over anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility failures.
The company operates 134 websites, primarily online casinos, as well as a few sportsbooks. In addition to being issued the fine, the operator will undergo a license review and third-party audit to ensure it has improved its standards.
The UKGC detailed the reasons for the fine in a press release, noting a failure to check the source of funds for customers and failures to safeguard customers with gambling problems.
UKGC Says Failures are Unacceptable
John Pierce, UKGC Director of Enforcement and Intelligence, said: “Gambling businesses must have robust policies and procedures in place to protect consumers and ensure appropriate anti-money laundering controls are maintained. These measures must be actively implemented and regularly tested to confirm their effectiveness.”
He went on to note that it is the second time ProgressPlay has been subject to enforcement action. In 2022, the operator paid £175,718 for similar failures.
Pierce added: “Its failure to meet AML obligations, along with the gaps identified in its social responsibility processes, are unacceptable.”
The UKGC provided updated guidance on AML earlier this year, urging operators to review their existing checks. It warned that white labels, such as ProgressPlay, should be especially vigilant about the partnerships they form with offshore sites and those using new technologies, including crash games.
Pierce reminded companies of their responsibilities, stating: “Operators should be in no doubt: repeated regulatory breaches will result in increasingly severe enforcement action.
“We urge all operators to examine the failings identified in this case and take proactive steps to strengthen their own systems and controls.”
ProgressPlay Claims it is Making Progress for Players
The company responded by stating that it has improved its practices since the violations, which occurred between August 2021 and August 2024.
ProgressPlay CEO Itai Lowenstein stated: “Rather than simply remediating past findings, we’ve invested £1.5 million in player protection technology and better AML handling. This transformation goes far beyond compliance, it’s fundamentally changed how we understand and serve our customers.”
The investigation by the UKGC has led to the implementation of new systems, including a dedicated responsible gambling and AML team, claimed the operator. Additionally, all employees must undergo a rigorous training program at the ProgressLearn digital academy.
The UKGC has recently introduced a clearer 7-step framework for calculating fines, in an effort to standardize and intensify enforcement. Last month, it issued a £170,000 fine to Taichi Tech Limited over unfair terms and conditions that allowed the company, “at their own discretion to close accounts or forfeit winnings.”
