Genesis Global to appeal UK license suspension

Genesis Global, an online gaming operator, has recently confirmed its move to appeal against the recent decision made by the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC). The regulator has recently called for the suspension of the online casino operator’s operating license in the UK.   Genesis, after consulting independent legal advance, has shared its opinion about the decision, stating that it was disproportionate and inconsistent with the regulator’s previous enforcement actions in contrast with other operators.  Despite this recent suspension, the company still seeks to fully cooperate with the Commission’s review. Though the operator has expressed its willingness to cooperate, it still has plans to vigorously appeal against the ruling.  The operator has also noted that it has provided the Commission with an action plan following the regulator’s assessment, before its decision to suspend and further review the operator.

Recently, the UKGC has called for an Interim suspension of Genesis Global Limited’s operating license as it reviews the gaming operator’s activities.  The suspension was announced in July 20, 2020, effective immediately, until further notice, requiring the gaming operator to halt operations and activities of all the websites it offers in the UK while the review is ongoing.  

The Commission has brought about this suspension due to several compliance breaches.  The regulator will focus on the UK’s Gambling Act particularly in section 116(2)(a) and section 116(2)(c)(i)) with respect to Genesis Casino Global’s breaches of the law.  The regulator has pushed to review the company’s license as it has reason to suspect that the company has operated in various activities that have been performed in reliance on the license but not in accordance with its conditions, all stipulated in Section 116(2)(a).  Also, section 116(2)(c)(i)) allows the regulator to review any operator if it suspects them as unsuitable for licensed operations.  The Commission has also instructed the gaming operator to allow players to access their sites and withdraw their funds while making it clear on all its websites that wagers are not allowed to be placed until the Commission has finalised its review.

In response to this, the operator explained that it was subject to the regulator’s routine compliance assessment earlier this July.  The company had gone under similar reviews during its time as an operator without any adverse findings.  However, this time was different as the regulator decided to suspend its operating license in the UK in order to conduct additional reviews. 

The company has recently expressed its extreme disappointment with the suspension. Despite this, it is still firmly committed to complying with the Commission’s extensive range of regulations.  Genesis also said that it will continue with its own existing compliance systems, policies, and procedures whilst continuously improving upon them, ensuring a responsible and safe gaming environment for all its players.  The company is confident that its actions and commitment will surely be reflected in the review process. 

Despite this dilemma in the UK, Genesis addressed its stakeholders particularly, its loyal customers, suppliers, and team,  assuring them that business is usual in other jurisdictions where the company operates.