Gambling regulators globally issued $85m in fines to errant operators in the first half of 2024, a 12.1% increase year-on-year. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Gambling regulators across the world are continuing to crack down on errant operators, handing out hefty financial penalties if they get out of line. The total value of the penalties issued in the first half of 2024 reached US$85m, representing a 12.1% year-on-year increase.

had to pay AU$67m (US$44.5m) as part of an AUSTRAC money laundering case

The biggest of the 21 fines was for SkyCity in Australia, which had to pay AU$67m (US$44.5m) as part of an AUSTRAC money laundering case that uncovered instances of loan sharking, links to organized crime, and human trafficking.

The Dutch authorities were second behind Australia in the size of penalties they issued, followed by the UK Gambling Commission, and regulators across the US.

The most common type of issue that leads to action against an operator relates to social responsibility or anti-money laundering (AML) failures. Regulators are ensuring that licensees are fully compliant with these requirements and that effective player protection measures are in place.