The UK’s Gambling Commission considered suspending Evolution’s supply license after detecting that its live casino games were being offered on unlicensed websites accessible to UK players. This follows a recent £4.75 million settlement over compliance lapses, particularly in anti-money laundering (AML) controls and customer due diligence.
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Regulator Uncovers Major Compliance Gaps
In a statement, John Pierce, the Gambling Commission’s director of enforcement, highlighted major weaknesses in Evolution’s AML risk assessment and the company’s oversight of risks within its supply chain. The regulator’s investigation, which started in December 2024, found that Evolution’s games were distributed via six unlicensed sites operated by two third-party firms during the period between December 2023 and November 2024. The regulator first noticed the unauthorized distribution of these games in August 2024, formally notifying Evolution by December. Although Evolution swiftly blocked UK access to these sites upon realization, the Gaming Commission identified breaches in AML compliance and the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations. The company’s risk assessments from April 2024 to January 2025 were found inadequate, leading to failures in detecting unlicensed operations in the UK market.
Consideration of License Suspension
The Gambling Commission characterized Evolution as lacking strong due diligence and monitoring mechanisms. Pierce emphasized that the failings were severe enough to warrant contemplation of a license suspension. However, Evolution’s rapid response mitigated the need for such drastic measures. In 2025, the company implemented extensive ring-fencing measures across Europe to prevent further occurrences, which, although necessary, affected its profitability for the year. But this isn’t the first time Evolution has found itself under scrutiny. Industry watchers might recall previous regulatory challenges faced by the company, suggesting a pattern that the Commission has flagged before.
Settlement Details and Future Outlook
Ultimately, Evolution reached a settlement with the Gambling Commission, agreeing not only to the financial penalty but also to an independent audit of its UK operations within the coming year. The settlement also included covering the investigation’s costs. And during Evolution’s recent earnings call, CEO Martin Carlesund downplayed the impact of the settlement on UK operations, stating, “There are no changes in our way of doing things in the UK for a while, and we have no changes coming up.”
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge gambling companies face in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Evolution’s hefty settlement and required audit underscore the importance of stringent compliance measures. And the Gaming Commission intends to continue monitoring Evolution’s adherence to license conditions closely. The company’s UK operations will be under scrutiny, with an audit expected to take place within the next year.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
