888 fined over gambler care

ONLINE gaming group 888 has been hit with a record £7.8million penalty for failing to protect customers who were at risk.

A technical failure in its systems meant more than 7,000 customers who had voluntarily banned themselves from gambling were still able to access their accounts.

They were able to deposit £3.5million into their accounts and continue to gamble for over 13 months because 888’s self-exclusion procedures were not robust enough, says the UK Gambling Commission.

The firm also failed to recognise visible signs of problem gambling behaviour by one customer, who stole £55,000 from their employer to feed their habit as they staked more than £1.3million over a 13-month period, placing over 850,000 bets.

The customer was sentenced to 16 months in prison for theft and false accounting.

Commission chief executive, Sarah Harrison, said: “Safeguarding consumers is not optional. This penalty package reflects the seriousness of 888’s failings to protect vulnerable customers.”

The penalty includes £3.5million repayment of deposits made by the self-excluded customers, £62,000 compensation to the employer from whom money was stolen, with £4.25million going to a social cause to invest in measures to tackle gambling-related harm.

The Commission has also ordered an independent audit of 888’s customer protection processes.

Gibraltar-based, London-listed 888, which is set to join the FTSE 250 this month and spans poker, casino, sports betting and bingo, said it worked with the Commission throughout its review and had reached a voluntary settlement.

It added: “The company accepts the conclusion of the review and is committed to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience.”