Playtech to donate £3.5m after taking “full responsibility” for PTES breaches
Playtech has said it takes full responsibility for regulatory breaches by subsidiary PT Entertainment Services (PTES) and will match the penalty fee of £3.5m ($4.3m).
A Gambling Commission investigation found PT Entertainment showed serious social responsibility, anti-money laundering and VIP failings between 2015 and 2017, after customer Chris Bruney took his own life in April 2017.
PTES, which used to trade under Winner and Titanbet, had previously been closed by Playtech prior to the investigation in 2019 and would have been in line for a £3.5m regulatory penalty, plus additional sanctions.
While it had already donated £619,395 to gambling-related harm charities in recognition of the breaches, Playtech will increase the amount to the original PTES fine. The further sum will support work undertaken by the Gambling Commission in raising industry standards.
The supplier said decisive action was taken to address PTES breaches ahead of its closure, to ensure similar breaches wouldn’t be repeated.
The board also extended “its deepest sympathies to the family of Chris Bruney,” while interim Chairman Claire Milne has undertaken a review of the group’s position.
Milne said: “The findings of this investigation do not reflect where Playtech stands today. But while the company has made many positive and important changes, we feel it is only right for us to recognise these historic failings by offering this increased amount.
“In speaking with many of our stakeholders, it was clear they felt the failings were not representative of the Playtech they know. Through this action, we want to send a message to them and the wider industry of who we are today and aspire to be.”
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