UKGC shuts down 'illegal' Facebook lotteries

[The Buzz]

The UK Gambling Commission announced that it has shut down hundreds of illegal lotteries operating on Facebook, in an attempt to "protect vulnerable social media users."

Working with UK law enforcement partners through the Government Agency Intelligence Network and Facebook "specialists," the Commission’s investigation focused on the operation of "illegal and unlicensed lotteries" given the risks they posed to consumers and vulnerable people.

From the press release:

The illegal lotteries, which offered a variety of cash prizes, children’s toys and clothing, saw two individuals identified for promoting illegal activity and removed from associated Facebook groups after being issued with cease and desist letters by the North East Regional Special Operations and South West Regional Organised Crime Units respectively.

Helen Venn, executive director of the Gambling Commission said: “There were hundreds of people taking part in these lotteries but it was important to identify those who were organising and moderating them illegally.

“Working alongside our colleagues at Facebook and the police, we are pleased that key individuals have been identified and this type of activity, which only increases the risk of gambling harm, has been disrupted.

“Illegal lotteries, including those taking place through social media channels, will continue to be a focus for our enforcement work this year as we link up closely with platforms like Facebook to pinpoint not only the activity, but those behind it and those who are breaching gambling rules and social media standards.”

Read more here: https://www.gpwa.org/article/ukgc-sh...tteries-242873

[Cash Bonus]

The ukgc have no limit to their stupidity. They turn a blind eye to corrupt operators, but OTOH, they shut down illegal operations on fb

[chaumi]

There is ofc some chance that this really has nailed some scumbags preying on vulnerable people (and I would imagine there are plenty on FB that could get sucked into something dodgy).

I'd guess there is an equal chance that this is an attempt at deflection of bad press...like a floundering/obviously guilty politician, the way to cover a mess that's harming you is sometimes to try and bring up some 'good' news to mask/deflect the bad.

I'd probably reserve judgement till actually seeing the supposed 'lotteries' with my own eyes...but they're gone by the sound of it so unless someone spills the names then we'll likely never know.

[BCGame Affiliates]

Feels like a distraction to me!