Evolution Blocks Games for UK Players on Non-UK Licensed Casinos

Press Release 20th December 2024

Evolution Block Access To UK Players from Non-Licensed Casinos

Evolution has been informed by the UK Gambling Commission (‘Commission’) that it has commenced a review of Evolution Malta Holding Limited’s operating licence under Section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. The review was initiated after the Commission identified Evolution games being accessible from the UK through operators not holding a Commission license.

The review can have a range of outcomes, which include no action being required, conditions being imposed on the licence, financial sanction, suspension and revocation of the licence to operate.

Evolution is cooperating fully with the Commission and has taken requested immediate actions to remedy the situation.  Games on the identified websites not holding a Commission license have been made unavailable from the UK. Evolution continues to actively work with the Commission to resolve this matter.

About 3% of Evolution’s revenue is from the UK market.

Martin Carlesund, CEO of Evolution said,

“Evolution embraces the objectives of the review by the Commission.  We are committed to support the licensed UK market as well as preventing unlicensed traffic.  We are now taking forceful action using all technical tools available to us to ensure that our games only are available in the UK through Commission licensed operators.  We believe that a close collaboration to address our joint concerns will lead to swifter and better results. As always we remain committed to an open and transparent relationship with our regulators. “

Press Release Ends

Live Casino Comparer Comment

My first reaction when I saw this press release was good. I’m pleased the UKGC is clamping down, as this will undoubtedly help fight against unregulated casinos offering games to vulnerable players who’ve sought to work around the protections that protect them from gambling harm.

Evolution is not alone in this, and whether they are complicit in it is yet to be determined. My best guess is that they are not. Their operational contracts with operators will be unambiguous.

I’m just surprised Evolution and other operators haven’t implemented geo-targeting on their games and released the blocks only when a casino proves it has the requisite licenses.

It will be interesting to see the findings from the review and whether the UKGC will take further steps.