UK Licensed AGC Operator To Pay £150,000 For Self-Exclusion Blunder

A UK-licensed Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) operator has been ordered to pay a £150,000 fine to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) over its failure to comply with self-exclusion requirements.

As part of its code, the UKGC insists that all operators must offer self-exclusion schemes to consumers who are struggling with their gambling habits or are more likely to experience gambling harm.

During its investigation, the UKGC discovered that Holland Park Leisure Limited, which runs three AGCs across Leicester, didn’t have self-exclusion systems in place at any of its venues.

Previous misdemeanours flagged

This wasn’t the first time that Holland Park was made aware that it must abide by self-exclusion rules. Indeed, there were several other occasions when the company failed to meet self-exclusion obligations, leading the UKGC to suspend its licence in October 2025.

Although Holland Park was reminded of its duties, the Commission noted that Holland Park’s negligence was an aggravating factor in dishing out the fine. By not taking remedial action at the time as well as providing misleading information, the UKGC didn’t waver in its decision to proceed with the sanction.

AGCs come under scrutiny

The action taken against Holland Park comes at a time when the AGCs are facing increased scrutiny. Last week, the UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, unveiled his plans to clear up Britain’s high streets, and AGCs have been targeted with heavier tax burdens to help fund his proposed 20% business rate cuts on pubs, music venues, and clubs.

Although it was also recently revealed that Betfred were exploring moves into the AGC sphere after closing down 132 betting shops, Burnham has sharpened the knives for the retail betting sector, lumping them in with vape shops into the “dodgy business” category.

Moreover, Burnham insists he wants to give councils greater powers to prevent new betting venues from opening. Although recent figures posted show that the number of AGCs fell to 1,415 last year compared to the 2,247 nationwide establishments in 2012, the political rhetoric has been strong. Indeed, scrapping the “Aim to Permit” rule has also come into sharp focus, which will anger the retail betting community.

UKGC unambiguous with its verdict

In falling short of the mark, the UKGC reprimanded Holland Park, emphasising the importance of self-exclusion schemes. The regulator’s Director of Enforcement and Intelligence, John Pierce, was unequivocal with his verdict.

He said:

“Self-exclusion schemes provide a critical service for people who feel they are suffering gambling harm. It is important that all operators fully integrate with the scheme and maintain effective safeguards for self-excluded customers.

“Every operator must ensure that they are fully participating in a recognised multi–operator self-exclusion scheme, that they have effective procedures to identify and prevent self-excluded customers from gambling in any of their premises, and their staff are trained to manage self-exclusion and direct individuals to relevant services.

“These are not optional requirements. They are fundamental licence conditions designed to protect consumers from harm, and operators that fail to meet them can expect regulatory action.”

Next steps

Aside from the fine levied, Holland Park will now need to undergo a thorough third-party audit to review its policies and procedures in place.

Staff will also be expected to undertake full training and competency reviews, so the company doesn’t overstep the mark again.