Reasons for the review
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has decided to freeze EveryMatrix B2C products pending the outcome of a review. The probe concerns the operating license of the software provider, specifically in relation to its customer interaction framework.
The announcement appeared on the UKGC website on the afternoon of September 5. The white label partners of EveryMatrix received word of this freeze that same morning.
Partners under suspension
Currently, there are a number of white label partners operating under the EveryMatrix’ UKGC license. These include Sporting Index, MrWin, Playfrank, Pwr.bet, Jetbull, and Westcasino.
no longer accepting any remote gambling activity until the issue is resolved
The mobile casino site Sporting Index put a notice on its website detailing the closure. It informed it would no longer be accepting any remote gambling activity until the issue is resolved. It added that account holders can still access their accounts and withdraw funds.
No specifics
The UKGC did not give many specifics regarding the reasoning behind the investigation. In its online announcement, it simply said:
This followed compliance activity which included examining its customer interaction framework.”
The basis of the license suspension is through section S116 of the UK Gambling Act. This is the same section used by the UKGC to suspend the license of two FSB Technology white label partners.
Not all aspects of EveryMatrix’s activities have been affected. The suspension does not touch upon the company’s installing, supplying, adapting, and manufacturing of gambling software.
Next steps for partners
The regulator told the white label partners of EveryMatrix who have been affected to allow customers to withdraw funds from their accounts. It also gave the operators the ability to settle ante-post bets made before the suspension.
EveryMatrix has sent an email to white label partners about the issue, saying it will be taking over first-line support communication with customers. The white label partners will then look after any second lines of communication themselves.
Extensive UKGC crackdown
The UKGC is taking a tougher stance on those violating the rules and regulations of the UK Gambling Act recently.
FSB’s CEO and co-founder, David McDowell, said the ongoing investigations were due to the UKGC having “expressed concerns over the levels of due diligence performed on a small number of our white label partners.”
Update – EveryMatrix Responds
EveryMatrix has since released a statement addressing the suspension of its B2C services. The company has stated that it is working closely with the UKGC while the regulator conducts a review of its license.
The platform provider claims to have taken “swift and effective actions” to address the concerns of the regulator. The company also used its statement as an opportunity to declare how seriously it takes compliance. It said:
EveryMatrix sees this license review as an opportunity to further strengthen its compliance processes and procedures.”
EveryMatrix also took the opportunity to underline that its B2B licenses have not been affected by this suspension. Naturally, the company’s UK B2C white label partners are hoping this matter will be resolved very quickly.