The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the licence of VGC Leeds, which operates Victoria Gate Casino, after finding it failed to meet key anti-money laundering rules. The suspension took effect immediately under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005, which allows the Commission to act when there are concerns about an operator’s compliance or suitability.

Investigators found that VGC Leeds lacked proper systems to detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. They also discovered weaknesses in the casino’s risk management and decision-making processes, raising doubts about whether it was operating responsibly and following UK gambling regulations.

Commission Calls for Transparency During Suspension

Following the suspension, the Gambling Commission ordered VGC Leeds to keep its customers informed about the situation. This includes providing updates on any changes to services and ensuring that customer funds remain secure during the suspension period.

The regulator said it will continue to monitor the case and gather more information to determine whether further action is necessary. The suspension will remain in place until the Commission decides whether the operator can meet the required standards to continue operating.

The Gambling Commission emphasized that it takes compliance failures seriously, especially when they involve financial crime risks. It also reminded all gambling operators in the UK to regularly review and strengthen their anti-money laundering systems to ensure full compliance with the law.

Part of Wider Crackdown on Compliance Breaches

The suspension of VGC Leeds is part of the Commission’s broader effort to tighten oversight of the gambling industry. Recently, another operator, Petfre, was fined £240,000 ($323,000) for breaching slot machine standards. The fine was issued after the regulator found that the company failed to meet player protection requirements.

The Commission has been increasing its enforcement actions in recent years, introducing new rules aimed at improving transparency and accountability across the gaming sector. These actions are designed to protect players, prevent financial crime, and promote responsible gambling.

Regulator Pushes for Stronger Player Protection

Beyond enforcement, the Gambling Commission is also updating its regulations to better protect players. In October, it introduced new deposit limit rules that will take effect from 30 June 2026. These rules aim to help players manage their spending more easily and avoid confusion about betting limits.

Andrew Rhodes, the Commission’s CEO, recently discussed these reforms during the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) Conference. He spoke about the results of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain and the impact of new technologies on both the UK and global gaming markets.

The Gambling Commission’s ongoing actions show a clear message to the industry: gambling operators must follow the law, strengthen their internal controls, and maintain high standards of governance to keep their licences and public trust.