License Revocation

Tamara Simmers

By Mark Sullivan · Fact-checked by James Hartley, Regulatory Affairs Editor

The UK Gambling Commission revoked the Personal Functional Licence of Tamara Simmers on 14 January 2025. The regulator found her unsuitable to hold a licence after she was convicted of relevant criminal offences and repeatedly failed to report key events.

Tamara Simmers enforcement action
UKGC enforcement action - January 2025

Summary

What This Means for Consumers

This action doesn't directly affect a specific gambling website, as it concerns an individual's personal licence. It shows the UKGC is removing individuals from the industry who are found unsuitable or have criminal convictions.

Full Details

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) took significant regulatory action against Tamara Simmers, revoking her Personal Functional Licence (PFL) on 14 January 2025. A PFL is required for individuals performing key management or operational functions at a licensed gambling operator. The revocation, made under sections 117 and 119 of the Gambling Act 2005, followed a formal review of her suitability.

The Commission's investigation found that Tamara Simmers was unsuitable for two main reasons. First, she was convicted of offences listed under Schedule 7 of the Gambling Act 2005, which are considered relevant offences. The UKGC stated these convictions were inconsistent with the licensing objective of preventing gambling from being associated with crime. Second, she repeatedly failed to inform the Commission about reportable Key Events within the required timeframe, which is a breach of her licence conditions.

The regulator concluded that these repeated failures showed a "persistent lack of insight or understanding" of her responsibilities. As a result, the UKGC determined that Tamara Simmers was unsuitable to carry on licensed activities. A licence revocation is the most severe sanction the UKGC can impose on an individual, effectively removing them from working in the UK's regulated gambling industry.

Key Findings

  • Action type: Revocation of a Personal Functional Licence
  • Action taken on 14 January 2025
  • Found unsuitable to hold a licence under sections 117 and 119 of the Gambling Act 2005
  • Breaches included convictions for relevant offences (Schedule 7 of the Gambling Act 2005)
  • Repeatedly failed to report Key Events to the Commission

Timeline

Enforcement action timeline — Source: UKGC Regulatory Actions Register
Action Date 14 January 2025
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Written by

Corporate Investigations Editor

ACAMS Certified (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists). BSc Criminology, University of Manchester.

Mark has 15 years of experience in financial crime and corporate due diligence, including a role as Intelligence Analyst at the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) specialising in money laundering through gaming.