888 fined for faulty self-exclusion system

Wednesday 30th of August 2017

Online gambling giant 888 has been fined a record GBP 7.8 million (US$10 million) for allowing 7,000 self-excluded customers to continue playing over the course of 13 months.

According to local media, the Gambling Commission found that a “technical failure” in the operator's’ system allowed these vulnerable players to continue accessing their accounts and playing.

The oversight continued for 13 months, with self-excluded customers depositing up to GBP3.5 million into their accounts.

“While 888 did have self-exclusion procedures in place, they were not robust enough and failed to protect potentially vulnerable customers,” said the Commission.

The commission also found that 888 failed to recognize visible signs of problem gambling in one individual, who staked GBP1.3 million in repeated bets over the 13 months.

The commission said that 888’s “lack of interaction” with this player “raised serious concerns about 888’s safeguarding of customers at risk of gambling harm”.

“Safeguarding consumers is not optional. This penalty package of just under GBP 8 million reflects the seriousness of 888’s failings to protect vulnerable customers,” said Sarah Harrison, chief executive at the Gambling Commission.

"The 888 sanction package will ensure those affected don’t lose out, that the operator pays the price for its failings via a sum that will go to tackling gambling-related harm, and that independent assurance will be given to see that lessons are learnt.”

In a statement, 888 said: “The company accepts the conclusion of the review and is committed to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience.”

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