UKGC Warns Operators Over Late Regulatory Returns

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a warning to operators, reminding them that failure to submit regulatory returns on time may lead to penalties and further enforcement actions.

The warning follows a spate of fines against operators who have failed to submit a regulatory return in the required timeframes for each type of activity for which they hold a licence.

Since October more than ten businesses have been fined up to £750 for not correctly completing and submitting regulatory returns within the required timeframe.

John Pierce, Commission Director of Enforcement, said: “Despite early engagement and the issuing of advice notices, further failures to comply with the regulatory returns process were identified in these cases. Operators are expected to understand their reporting obligations and must ensure returns are submitted on time via our online portal.”

“Repeated breaches and persistent non-compliance is likely to result in escalating enforcement action.”

On 1 July 2024, Licence Condition 15.3.1 – General and regulatory returns of the Licence Conditions Codes of Practice was updated to require all licensees to submit regulatory returns on a quarterly basis replacing the previous annual basis.

The next quarterly returns are due by 28 April 2025 and can be submitted via the eServices digital service on the UKGC’s website.