The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has dished out another financial penalty, this time to Estonia-based sportsbook operator TonyBet.
demanded identification documents for “all withdrawals”
The gaming regulator announced the £442,750 ($546,305) fine in a press release on Wednesday. TonyBet will pay the fine as a result of “unfair terms” published on its website. Among its rules, TonyBet demanded identification documents for “all withdrawals” while not insisting on the same checks for deposits.
In addition, TonyBet said it could confiscate winnings from customers if they did not provide anti-money laundering documentation within 30 days. The operator also considered accounts dormant after six months of inactivity when the minimum length of time for this categorization is 12 months.
Furthermore, the operator demonstrated failures in social responsibility and AML. The UKGC ruled that TonyBet failed to identify and interact with customers at risk of gambling harm while also not conducting adequate AML assessments.
Commenting on the ruling, Kay Roberts, executive director of operations for the UKGC, said the case “highlights action we will be taking against gambling businesses who fail to be fair and open with customers.”