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The enforcement action comes after the Commission identified that several slot games hosted by the operator did not comply with the Remote Technical Standards (RTS), which set mandatory requirements for responsible product design in the remote gambling sector.
Key Violations Identified
The regulatory investigation revealed two critical failings in the operator’s slot game portfolio. Games on the platform failed to display the consumer’s net position during gaming sessions, a mandatory requirement under RTS. In addition, certain games were found to celebrate losses as wins, presenting celebratory effects even when players were in an overall losing position.
According to the Commission’s RTS guidelines, all gaming sessions must clearly display a customer’s net position at all times. The standards also prohibit gambling systems from celebrating returns that are less than or equal to the total stake gambled.
The regulator raised concerns about the fairness of celebratory effects when consumers are losing, noting that such features may impair a player’s ability to interpret gameplay accurately and make informed decisions about their gambling activity.
Operator Response and Compliance History
Following the Commission’s findings, Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited took immediate action to decommission all affected games from its platforms. The operator has since removed the non-compliant slot games to bring its offering in line with regulatory requirements.
This marks the second regulatory action against Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited. In 2022, the operator received a £2.87 million fine for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures, highlighting ongoing compliance challenges for the business.
Industry Impact and Regulatory Signal
The enforcement action sends a clear message to the wider online gambling industry about the importance of maintaining compliance with technical standards designed to protect consumers.
John Pierce, Director of Enforcement at the UK Gambling Commission, commented on the enforcement action: “Features that impair a consumer’s ability to make informed decisions are not appropriate and pose a clear risk. While we acknowledge the operator acted swiftly to remove the affected games, this enforcement action should serve as a clear signal to the wider industry to review and strengthen their compliance practices — and to ensure that gameplay is fair and consumers are not exposed to unnecessary risk.”
The decision highlights the Commission’s continued focus on responsible product design and its commitment to ensuring that gambling operators meet the standards required to protect consumers, particularly when it comes to game features that could mislead players about their actual gambling performance.
About Remote Technical Standards
The UK Gambling Commission’s Remote Technical Standards establish technical requirements that all licensed remote gambling operators must meet. These standards cover various aspects of gambling system design, including customer protection measures, game fairness, and responsible gambling features. The RTS are regularly updated to address emerging risks and ensure that consumers are protected when gambling online.
Operators found to be in breach of these standards face regulatory action, including financial penalties, license warnings, and in severe cases, license suspension or revocation.
Source: UKGC
