The UK Gambling Commission has taken regulatory action against Wyke Gaming & Amusement Centre, suspending its licence due to serious compliance failures related to player protection and responsible gambling protocols. The Bradford-based venue, located in Hanover Square, Wyke, must cease operations immediately and will not be permitted to resume until it can demonstrate full adherence to licensing requirements.

Failure to join national self-exclusion scheme:

According to official statements, the operator failed to take part in a critical gambling harm reduction initiative and did not provide appropriate channels for customers to resolve disputes. Additionally, the business was found to be in violation of machine distribution regulations, raising further concerns about its operational integrity.

At the heart of the suspension is Wyke Gaming’s refusal to participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion scheme (MOSES), a nationally recognized program that allows individuals experiencing gambling harm to voluntarily bar themselves from accessing adult gaming centres across multiple venues.

The initiative is seen as a key tool in the Gambling Commission’s wider strategy to protect vulnerable consumers. All licensed adult gaming centres are expected to participate in MOSES to help those struggling with compulsive gambling access a straightforward way to limit their exposure.

In a public notice, the Commission cited that Wyke Gaming “failed to participate in a multi operator self-exclusion scheme – an initiative allowing people who feel they are struggling with their gambling to self-exclude from one or more adult gaming centres in their area.”

Alongside the failure to join the self-exclusion network, Wyke Gaming was also found to be lacking a formal process to handle customer complaints and disputes. Under UK gambling regulations, all licensed operators must offer access to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) entity, enabling customers to escalate concerns that have not been resolved directly by the venue.

This requirement ensures fairness in dealing with grievances and provides players with a third-party channel for potential redress. By failing to meet this obligation, Wyke Gaming left customers without a key safeguard—a move that contributed to the Commission’s decision to suspend its licence.

Breach of gaming machine ratios:

As stated in the regulator’s press release, the operator also violated section 172(1) of the Gambling Act, which governs the ratio of higher-stake gaming machines permitted on licensed premises. Under the law, Category B gaming machines—offering higher maximum stakes and payouts—must not exceed 20% of the total number of machines available for use within a venue.

The Commission found that Wyke Gaming did not comply with this statutory limit, further exacerbating concerns over the venue’s adherence to responsible gambling practices.

As a result of these combined failings, the Gambling Commission has imposed an immediate suspension of Wyke Gaming’s licence. The regulator made clear that this measure will stay in place “at least until the Commission has been able to verify that the licensee’s facilities are operating compliantly.”