UKGC suspends LEBOM for non-compliance with safer gambling scheme

The U.K. Gambling Commission said it has suspended LEBOM Ltd’s license over its failure to integrate the safer gambling self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP.  

GAMSTOP self-exclusion is used by consumers who may have a problem with gambling and want help to stop. In 2020 the Commission made it mandatory for all online gambling businesses to participate in this scheme and refuse custom to consumers who have registered.

The suspension will remain in place until the regulator  is satisfied LEBOM has fully integrated GAMSTOP. The Commission has also launched a review of LEBOM’s licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Kay Roberts, Executive Director of Operations, said: “GAMSTOP provides a crucial service for people who feel they are suffering gambling harm. It is simply unacceptable for any online operator to fail to integrate with the scheme.”

The Commission has made it clear to LEBOM Limited that during the course of the suspension, it is expected to focus on treating consumers fairly and keep them fully informed of any developments which impact them.

The suspension does not prevent the operator from allowing consumers to access accounts and withdrawing funds.

GAMSTOP works by allowing consumers to register via a destination page, which then self-excludes them from all participating gambling sites for a period of six months, one year or five years.

“We have been working very hard for the last two years to ensure that GamStop becomes a trusted, secure and independent service that helps anyone who has an issue with their gambling to exclude themselves from the majority of online sites,” GamStop CEO Fiona Palmer said when announcing the scheme would be mandatory.

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