UKGC To Review Seven Bookmakers’ Licenses Over Age Check Fails
The UK Gambling Commission has revealed it will be reviewing the license of seven on-course Royal Ascot sportsbooks over age check fails.
Seven bookmakers were found to have allowed a minor to place a £5 bet on this year’s Royal Ascot. The revelation was discovered after the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the UK Gambling Commission and Trading Standards carried out age verification checks on 17 bookmakers.
The bookmakers will now face regulatory action from the UK Gambling Commission but the firm has yet to reveal which operators will face license reviews.
In a statement, the Commission’s Executive Director Richard Watson said: “Pass rates have failed to meet the standards expected and the sector has consistently performed to levels below those we see in other gambling and age-restricted products.
“By way of example, over the past four years, the on-course sector has a pass rate of around 35% for Think 21 testing.”
Councillor David Cannon, the Lead Member for Public Protection at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, added: “It is not acceptable to take bets from young people and I am pleased strong action is taking place.
“Our hard-working team of officers will often carry out test purchasing across the borough to ensure our residents are kept safe and traders are abiding by the rules.”
The Commission’s Tighter Restrictions
The news comes as the UK Gambling Commission tightens its regulation rules and restrictions. Just last month a report by the Telegraph suggested that the Commission may now require operators to regulate player spending. The UK Government announced last month that it may raise the National Lottery age limit from 16 to 18.
Meanwhile, Ladbrokes Coral was hit with a £5.9 million by the Commission fine this week after failing to protect problem gamblers. And Paddy Power has been busy following the launch of its Save Our Shirt campaign which calls for an end to football shirt sponsorships.