The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of VGC Leeds Limited, the company behind Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds city centre, England, citing serious compliance failings and governance concerns. The immediate suspension follows a formal review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005, which is examining whether the operator remains suitable to hold a licence.

Compliance Failings and Governance Concerns

According to the Commission, the review was triggered after a compliance assessment revealed that VGC Leeds Limited had “failed to maintain and implement effective anti-money laundering policies, procedures, and controls, as required under the conditions of their licence.” As stated in the official press release, the regulator also raised “serious concerns” about the adequacy of the company’s decision-making processes and its handling of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) risks.

The Commission’s statement noted that these deficiencies posed “a serious threat to the licensing objectives, in particular keeping crime out of gambling.” The regulator further emphasized that such failings call into question the overall effectiveness of the casino’s governance and risk management structures.

As a result, the Gambling Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of VGC Leeds Limited’s licence, effectively forcing Victoria Gate Casino to cease all gambling activities while the review is underway.

Following the suspension, Victoria Gate Casino was closed to the public, with a printed notice taped to the venue’s glass entrance confirming the action. The message stated: “We are sorry to confirm that our operating licence has been temporarily suspended by the commission and our venue is currently closed. We hope to open and welcome you back very soon.”

The Gambling Commission reiterated that the operator must “focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them” during the suspension period.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson also confirmed awareness of the suspension, stating that the casino “will no longer be authorised to offer any gambling activities.” The council clarified that, as it was not the licensing authority in this case, all inquiries should be directed to the Gambling Commission.

Background and Broader Context

Victoria Gate Casino, located within the Victoria Leeds Shopping Centre, opened its doors in 2017. Promoted as a 50,000-square-foot “super casino,” the venue featured 22 live betting tables and more than 170 slot and electronic roulette machines.

This is not the first time VGC Leeds Limited has faced regulatory scrutiny. In 2021, the Gambling Commission fined the operator £450,000 for multiple social responsibility and AML failings. The recent suspension marks an escalation in the regulator’s enforcement actions and signals a growing readiness to use licence suspensions as a tool for ensuring compliance within the gambling sector.

The decision also follows the Commission’s suspension of another operator, crash-game developer Spribe, just a day earlier for not holding the required hosting licence. This pattern indicates a tightening of oversight as the UK regulator steps up enforcement measures across the industry.

The Gambling Commission said its review would continue to determine whether VGC Leeds Limited remains suitable to carry out its licensed activities. Until a decision is reached, Victoria Gate Casino will remain closed.