Lee Charles Nicholas enforcement action
UKGC enforcement action - August 2024

Summary

What This Means for Consumers

This action holds a senior manager accountable for a company's failings. While it doesn't directly impact the operator's licence, it shows the regulator's focus on individual responsibility for consumer protection.

Full Details

On 30 August 2024, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) issued a formal warning to Lee Charles Nicholas, who holds a Personal Management Licence (PML). The action followed a review into his conduct as the Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Gate Gaming Limited. The regulator found he didn't uphold the conditions of his personal licence.

The investigation identified several compliance failures at Eaton Gate Gaming Limited between 2020 and 2021. The UKGC determined that Lee Charles Nicholas failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure the company met its obligations. These breaches included shortcomings in anti-money laundering procedures (Licence Condition 12.1.1), customer interaction rules (SRCP 3.4.1), and marketing requirements (SRCP 5.1.9).

A warning is a formal sanction that's recorded on an individual's licence history. It doesn't carry a financial penalty, but it serves as an official notice of misconduct. The UKGC noted that Lee Charles Nicholas was open and transparent throughout the process.

Key Findings

  • Formal warning issued to Personal Management Licence holder Lee Charles Nicholas.
  • Action taken by the UKGC on 30 August 2024.
  • Failures related to his role as CEO of Eaton Gate Gaming Limited.
  • Breaches involved anti-money laundering, customer interaction, and marketing rules.

Timeline

Enforcement action timeline — Source: UKGC Regulatory Actions Register
Action Date 30 August 2024
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Written by

Regulatory Affairs Editor

LLB (Hons) in Law, University of Bristol. Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Regulation, University of Reading.

James has spent 12 years in gambling compliance and regulatory technology, previously working as Senior Compliance Analyst at a UK-based regulatory consultancy advising licensed operators on LCCP adherence.