More specifically, the case has targeted 3 companies owned by Rank, including Grosvenor Casinos Limited, Gaming Group Limited, and Grosvenor Casinos (GC) Limited, which together operate a total of 51 casinos throughout the country. In addition to the settlement, Rank Group is also expected to conduct a third-party audit to review its appropriate implementation of AML and safe gambling rules.
Executive director of operations at the UKGC, Sue Young, commented:
“Larger enforcement cases are often associated with online gambling but, as today’s announcement shows, the risks of anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures are equally alive in the land-based sector. We would advise all premises-based operators to take a careful look at this case and ensure their own business is not making the same mistakes.”
According to the regulator’s investigation, the properties failed to flag high-risk players, didn’t correctly verify funds and sources of wealth, and didn’t conduct due diligence. Regarding safe gambling measures, the casinos were accused of not intervening in cases where players showed patterns of gambling harm and delayed preventive action such as restricting payments or imposing limits.
Addressing the settlement, Rank Group shared:
“The group confirms that, following completion of the Gambling Commission’s review, the group has accepted a £5m regulatory settlement in line with the provision. There is no further impact on the group’s profits.”
The operator also assured that it fully cooperated with the investigation and implemented the necessary changes as soon as possible.
