Operator 32Red received a hefty fine of £2m for purposefully ignoring the signs of dealing with a problem gambler. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission carried out an investigation that was focused on a specific customer who was allowed to deposit £758,000 from November 2014 to April 2017. 32Red was accused of not taking all the necessary security measures and applying background checks on the player to ensure the money deposited was of a legal nature.
UKGC's investigation revealed further evidence that there was more than one occurrences that showed the player suffered from problem gambling issues. The operator was found neglecting to offer any help. On the contrary, they went the other way and kept on offering more and more free bonuses. UKGC's findings also demonstrated that 32Red was insufficient in double-checking that the customer could indeed afford what they had spent playing on their site. They had also failed to apply proper player self-exclusion practices that would otherwise protect the customer.
UKGC's Executive Director Richard Watson insisted that 32Red did not implement proper background checks although the signs were clear that they had to do with a problem gambler. Instead, they tried to make more profit out of him. Mr Watson also urged all operators to apply protective measures when they spot signs of gambling addiction.