UKGC suspends licence of Isle of Man-based lottery operator
Regulator reveals “ongoing social responsibility concerns” over International Multi-Media Entertainments Limited offering
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has suspended the operating licence of International Multi-Media Entertainments Limited over failings in its social responsibility and anti-money laundering (AML) policies.
The Isle-of-Man headquartered firm’s licence for online casino and betting was suspended with immediate effect by the regulator following a review into the business.
Following the suspension, the UKGC has instructed the Lotteries.com operator to allow customers to access and withdraw account balances as soon as possible.
The Lotteries.com brand offers lottery betting on American, UK, European and Australian lotteries, while the operator is also known for its The Lottery Centre brand.
The site is still active, but is not currently accepting any new or scheduled bets and all online chat functionality has been switched off.
Instead it claims the suspension of operations is to facilitate the launch of a new platform, following more than a year of co-operation “between ourselves, the players and various stakeholders”.
“In order to make sure that no bets are missed or any lapses in service resulting from the launching of the new platform, Lotteries.com has made the decision to temporarily remove the option to deposit and to place any new or scheduled bets with effect from 5pm on 15 February 2020,” the operator said.
The UKGC has suspended several operator licences in recent weeks, including those belonging to Addison Global brand MoPlay, Triplebet’s Matchbook brand and online casino operator Stakers Limited.