UKGC Reinstates Victoria Gate Casino's Licence Following 'Significant Improvements'

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed it has lifted the suspension on Leeds’ Victoria Gate Casino and reinstated its licence. After originally falling short with its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and social responsibility policies, VGC Leeds, which was ordered to halt its operations at the end of last month, is now free to reopen its doors for business.

Indeed, the Gambling Commission noted VGC Leeds had made ‘significant improvements’ to address its shortcomings. Apart from initially falling short with its AML policies and procedures, adjustments have also now been made to the casino’s leadership, according to the Gambling Commission.

House now in order

Considered a super casino, VGC is one of the biggest land-based venues of its kind in Leeds. Offering 22 live betting tables and more than 175 slots and electronic roulette games, VGC is popular among the locals. Having its licence reinstated will have come as a bit of relief to VGC, and the Gambling Commission explained why the suspension was revoked.

A statement read: “On November 25 2025 the suspension of VGC Leeds Ltd’s licence was lifted following significant action taken by the operator.

“This has included widespread changes to the casino’s leadership, AML and compliance supervisors, implementation of new anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies, improved staff training on AML and social responsibility, and a commitment to undergo an independent audit within six weeks.”

Still under the Commission’s gaze

Previously, VGC Leeds came under the spotlight in 2021 after missing AML and social responsibility targets. At the time, VGC was ordered to pay a £450,000 fine for its misdemeanours.

Although VGC Leeds has now addressed its shortcomings, the Commission has acknowledged that it will continue to monitor the casino’s activities. This measure has been brought in to ensure VGC Leeds doesn’t step out of line again.

The Commission added: “During the course of the ongoing review, the Commission will continue to monitor the operator closely to ensure full and sustained compliance with the Licensing requirements is achieved.”
Commission quick to clamp down
Over the past few weeks, the Commission has been hot on the case in terms of clamping down on operators who haven’t complied with requirements. UK online casino Videslots was slapped with a £650,000 fine after AML and social responsibility failures were uncovered.

Last month, the Commission suspended Spribe’s OÜ’s operating license after failing to comply with stringent hosting requirements. The company, which has held a remote operating license in the UK since 2020, told the Commission it was in the process of obtaining a new licence.

Meanwhile, Unibet operator Platinum Gaming Ltd, was hit with a £10 million penalty due to its shortcomings in AML policies and social responsibility controls. Among the social responsibility failures identified were not interacting with a consumer who had lost £31,000 over nine months, and hit their monthly loss limit on six occasions.

Keeping out of trouble

Given VGC Leeds has been scrutinised over its activities in the past, the steps they have taken show a desire to change and to comply with the Commission. The severity of the original breaches were significant as the Commission seeks to keep crime out of gambling.

Leeds City Council were contacted over VGC’s licence being lifted. A spokesperson did respond, but they said that information relating to casino licences falls under the Commission’s remit.