This settlement is the outcome of an internal review conducted by 888 subsidiary Virtual Global Digital Services earlier this year, which unveiled several deficiencies in their Know Your Customer (KYC) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) practices. These shortcomings prompted the company to take corrective measures and cooperate with the regulatory authorities to address the issues.

The Operator Addressed Its Shortcomings

Virtual Global initiated its internal compliance investigation in January after 888 suspended VIP activities for select markets. The company expressed significant concerns regarding insufficient KYC and AML practices, prompting it to introduce updated policies and procedures regarding its risk assessment process. Although these efforts were successful, the Gibraltar regulator imposed a significant fine due to Virtual Global’s past failings.

According to the recent settlement, the 888 subsidiary must pay £2.9 million ($3.7 million). A portion of the settlement funds will benefit the Centre of Excellence for Responsible Gaming at the University of Gibraltar in its efforts to combat problem gambling in the region. The Gibraltar Gaming Commissioner decreed that the fine was suitable punishment and would take no further action against the offending operator. 

“888 has enhanced its policies and procedures in remediating the identified historical deficiencies. The Gambling Commissioner and Licensing Authority consider this matter closed.”

Gibraltar Gambling Commission

The Gibraltar regulator’s verdict aligns with its mission to ensure its licensees follow robust KYC and EDD practices. These measures are essential for verifying the identity of customers, preventing money laundering, and ensuring adherence to responsible gambling practices. Such fines should demonstrate the government’s ability to enforce regulations and hopefully contribute to the region’s removal from the FATF greylist.

888 Retains Its Significant Momentum

Virtual Global’s swift actions to remedy the identified shortcomings demonstrate the company’s commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining the highest standards of responsible gambling and player protection. Despite 888’s past tensions with the Gibraltar regulator, the operator has been willing to collaborate with the authorities and rectify any issues.

The Virtual Global settlement marks the second high-profile fine 888 had to pay in recent months. Its $24 million penalty in the UK had significant repercussions, showcasing the need for more robust control over its subsidiaries. Despite these setbacks, 888 recorded impressive H1 growth, leveraging its substantial business synergies to excel in the highly competitive gambling market.

This substantial fine must remind all stakeholders in the online gambling sector about the importance of robust KYC and EDD procedures. By adhering to stringent compliance measures, companies can contribute to a safer and more transparent gambling environment for players and maintain the trust of regulatory authorities.

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The global entertainment and sports company focused on delivering technology for online gambling operators, FansUnite, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, McBookie. Details about the new transaction emerged earlier this week and see FansUnite sell the business “to an arm’s length third-party” in a deal with a price tag surpassing $4 million.

FansUnite confirmed that Tekkorp Capital Advisors act as a strategic advisor for the company in light of the acquisition deal. “Purchase price is US$4,016,544 which converts to more than $5M based on the most recent exchange rates available,” explains a statement released by the company Tuesday.

FansUnite’s CEO, Scott Burton, explained that the sale of the Scottish-focused online casino and sportsbook represents a good development for the company. He outlined that last year, the company started a process related to streamlining of its business. According to Burton, with the expanding regulations in the UK, FansUnite understood that it was time for it to leave the B2C vertical.

“This is a great deal and outcome for McBookie and for FansUnite. We began a path of streamlining and focusing our business in 2022. With the UK continuing to tighten regulations on gaming operations, we felt it was time for FansUnite to exit the B2C space.“

Scott Burton, CEO of FansUnite

The CEO said that by selling McBookie, the company will benefit from focusing resources on other business segments that are expected to deliver strategic growth. Burton identified the potential of the US market and its affiliate opportunities while explaining that the offload of the online casino and sportsbook will “strengthen FansUnite’s balance sheet as the company moves towards being cash flow positive.” Last but not least, he thanked Paul Petrie and Damian Walker, McBookie’s directors, for their efforts and strategic guidance that helped the brand grow exponentially.

McBookie Reports Significant Growth

It was back in March 2020 when FansUnite took over McBookie in a deal for CA$2.2 million ($1.6 million). Now, three years after the deal, the brand has seen exponential growth hitting 7x its EBITDA. Without any doubt, the positive growth of the brand reaffirms the efforts of Walker and Petrie.

Under the guidance of the duo, McBookie reported an increase in turnover of 305%. Additionally, the sportsbook and online casino reported a gross win increase of 451%, while at the same time enjoying steady growth of newly registered players and demonstrating efforts to retain existing customers.

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