• The UK Gambling Commission took action against Wyke Gaming & Amusement Center
• The adult gaming center's license was suspended by the regulator after the venue failed to participate in a self-exclusion scheme
• The Commission has the authority to implement fines, suspend and revoke licenses

The gambling regulator in the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission (UKGC), announced it has taken enforcement action against one operator that failed to implement a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.

Bradford-based adult gaming center's license was suspended

The gambling watchdog's decision from last week affects Wyke Gaming & Amusement Center, an Adult Gaming Center located at Hanover Square, Wyke, Bradford.

Per the Gambling Commission's announcement, the operator's license was suspended with immediate effect.

The regulatory body highlighted that Wyke Gaming & Amusement Center failed to join a self-exclusion scheme that permits people affected by problem gambling to exclude from one or more adult gaming centers.

"The operator failed to participate in a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme – an initiative allowing people who feel they are struggling with their gambling to self-exclude from one or more adult gaming centers in their area," reads the Commission's announcement.

Moreover, the UKGC said: "The operator also failed to have arrangements in place for customers to be able to refer any dispute to an alternative dispute resolution entity."

Besides the aforementioned deficiencies, the operator failed to meet one of the sections of the Gambling Act.

As described by the Commission, Wyke Gaming & Amusement Center failed to comply with "section 172(1) of the Gambling Act which sets out that Category B gaming machines must not exceed 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines which are available for use on the premises."

The Gambling Commission can enforce a range of penalties and sanctions

The regulator explained that the license suspension will remain in effect until the operator ensures compliance with the established regulations.

This is not an uncommon measure that gambling firms sometimes face.

Besides license suspension, the Commission has the authority to enforce fines, revoke licenses or implement additional license conditions.

Only recently, the Commission's executive director, Tim Miller, spoke about the ongoing successful collaboration between the regulator and the Bingo Association.

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