UK Gambling Commission suspends Bradford gaming operator over player protection failures

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has suspended the operating licence of Wyke Gaming & Amusement Centre in Bradford with immediate effect, citing serious failures in player protection and regulatory compliance.

The enforcement action was prompted by the operator’s failure to participate in a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, a key initiative that allows individuals struggling with gambling addiction to exclude themselves from multiple gaming venues in their area. The operator was also found to have no system in place for handling customer complaints or referring disputes to an alternative dispute resolution body.

Further investigation revealed that the operator breached section 172(1) of the Gambling Act, which mandates that Category B gaming machines must not exceed 20% of the total number of machines on the premises.

The licence suspension will remain in place until the Commission confirms that the venue’s operations are fully compliant with UK gambling regulations.

The case underscores the regulator’s continued crackdown on industry failings. In a separate recent action, Spreadex Limited was fined £2 million ($2.7 million) for anti-money laundering and social responsibility breaches, having previously paid a £1.36 million ($1.84 million) settlement in 2022 for similar offences.

The UKGC has intensified its oversight as political and public scrutiny of the gambling sector continues to mount, particularly around consumer protections and operator accountability.