32red fined £2 million by Gambling Commission for failing to protect a customer

Online gambling operator 32Red has been fined £2 million for not protecting a consumer from gambling-related harm and money laundering failures.

The Gambling Commission investigation focused on 32Red’s dealings with a customer who, between November 2014 and April 2017, was allowed to deposit £758,000 without carrying out social responsibility or money laundering checks.

The investigation found 22 incidents during that period indicating the customer was a problem gambler and that 32red gave the player free bonuses rather than carrying out appropriate checks on the customer’s wellbeing.

Richard Watson, Commission Executive Director, said: “Instead of checking on the welfare of a customer displaying problem gambling behaviour, 32Red encouraged the customer to gamble more – this is the exact opposite of what they are supposed to be doing.

“Operators must take action when they spot signs of problem gambling and should be carefully reviewing all the customers they are having a high level of contact with.

“Protecting consumers from gambling-related harm is a priority for us and where we see operators failing in their responsibility to keep their customers safe we will take tough action.”