UK Gambling Commission suspends SmartLive licence

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ONLINE CASINO OPERATOR'S LICENCE SUSPENDED BY U.K. GAMBLING COMMISSION

Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd activity under review by the UK regulator.

The UK Gambling Commission confirmed Friday that it has suspended the online gambling licensing awarded to Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd to operate online casinos like Guruplay.com, Smartlivebaccarat.com, Smartlivebingo.com, Smartliveblackjack.com, Smartlivecasino.com, Smartlivepoker.com and Smartlivesports.com.

No reason for the review was given, other than the bland statement that the process was to consider whether the operator, who is also licensed in Malta, is suitable to conduct licensed online gambling activity.

The Commission characterised the suspension as an interim measure whilst the review takes place, but required the operator to settle any outstanding winning bets and return positive account balances to its players.

And, rather ominously, the Commission noted that at present it has no information regarding the situation with players' funds (presumably those which are the responsibility of the operator).

There was no comment regarding the Malta-licensed live-dealer activity of the operator, Smartlivegaming.com, which appeared to remain active when InfoPowa went to press Saturday morning, with the group's other sites re-directing to it.

The operator has been active on the internet gambling scene since 2007, and has been the subject of forum complaints by players regarding slow and no payment in the past.

Interventions by the Commission such as this are relatively rare; the last major case was that of MetroPlay-666Bet which went bust after being suspended following player complaints, money laundering and tax fraud investigations.
 
ONLINE CASINO OPERATOR'S LICENCE SUSPENDED BY U.K. GAMBLING COMMISSION

Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd activity under review by the UK regulator.

The UK Gambling Commission confirmed Friday that it has suspended the online gambling licensing awarded to Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd to operate online casinos like Guruplay.com, Smartlivebaccarat.com, Smartlivebingo.com, Smartliveblackjack.com, Smartlivecasino.com, Smartlivepoker.com and Smartlivesports.com.

No reason for the review was given, other than the bland statement that the process was to consider whether the operator, who is also licensed in Malta, is suitable to conduct licensed online gambling activity.

The Commission characterised the suspension as an interim measure whilst the review takes place, but required the operator to settle any outstanding winning bets and return positive account balances to its players.
And, rather ominously, the Commission noted that at present it has no information regarding the situation with players' funds (presumably those which are the responsibility of the operator).

There was no comment regarding the Malta-licensed live-dealer activity of the operator, Smartlivegaming.com, which appeared to remain active when InfoPowa went to press Saturday morning, with the group's other sites re-directing to it.

The operator has been active on the internet gambling scene since 2007, and has been the subject of forum complaints by players regarding slow and no payment in the past.

Interventions by the Commission such as this are relatively rare; the last major case was that of MetroPlay-666Bet which went bust after being suspended following player complaints, money laundering and tax fraud investigations.

This is what should force whatever "technical" or "regulatory" issues they were having out into the open. They can no longer stall, or offer excessive bonuses to lure in fresh UK deposits in order to fund player withdrawals. If they don't abide by this, they risk having the license revoked, so I would have though that they would comply with this if they could.

It doesn't look good though, as surely they would not have allowed matters to reach the stage where the UKGC was forced to suspend it's license, and they should have been getting some informal prods from the UKGC before a formal suspension was made.

MetroPlay ignored the requirement to return players' funds, but it later emerged that they couldn't, and were merely stalling for time in the hope that they could pull off some miracle to avoid going bust.

It could be embarrassing for the UKGC if yet again, UK players lose their funds because the signs of trouble were there since 2012, but the UKGC failed to act in a timely manner to limit the damage. Players believe that the UKGC is there to protect them and their funds, but if UKGC licenced operations simply keep going bust and taking players' funds with them, players will start to wonder whether the new regime is any better than the one before.

For other casinos, this could have a negative impact because the UKGC may be forced to tighten up player fund protection through making compulsory some of the earlier suggestions that were not implemented because they would have been too much of a burden and cost to the operators, such as compulsory insurance of player balances, or keeping player funds ring fenced in a separate account placed into trust so that the operator could not get at them even if they wanted to.
 
This is what should force whatever "technical" or "regulatory" issues they were having out into the open. They can no longer stall, or offer excessive bonuses to lure in fresh UK deposits in order to fund player withdrawals. If they don't abide by this, they risk having the license revoked, so I would have though that they would comply with this if they could.

It doesn't look good though, as surely they would not have allowed matters to reach the stage where the UKGC was forced to suspend it's license, and they should have been getting some informal prods from the UKGC before a formal suspension was made.

MetroPlay ignored the requirement to return players' funds, but it later emerged that they couldn't, and were merely stalling for time in the hope that they could pull off some miracle to avoid going bust.

It could be embarrassing for the UKGC if yet again, UK players lose their funds because the signs of trouble were there since 2012, but the UKGC failed to act in a timely manner to limit the damage. Players believe that the UKGC is there to protect them and their funds, but if UKGC licenced operations simply keep going bust and taking players' funds with them, players will start to wonder whether the new regime is any better than the one before.

For other casinos, this could have a negative impact because the UKGC may be forced to tighten up player fund protection through making compulsory some of the earlier suggestions that were not implemented because they would have been too much of a burden and cost to the operators, such as compulsory insurance of player balances, or keeping player funds ring fenced in a separate account placed into trust so that the operator could not get at them even if they wanted to.

Wrongful assumption me thinks. The UKGC's true primary scope is to make sure every gambling operation offering its services to UK punters is registering and paying tax.

The player protection comes only second, if not third or fourth on their priorities list.
 
Wrongful assumption me thinks. The UKGC's true primary scope is to make sure every gambling operation offering its services to UK punters is registering and paying tax.

The player protection comes only second, if not third or fourth on their priorities list.

These gambling regs are a waste of time and serve to protect businesses first and foremost. Just like when RG first came into B & M casinos back in the day. So casinos still have no windows or clocks indoors inside, old habits die hard I see.

And as for the UKGC's hand-holding me throughout my sessions and implementing nonsense such as 100 autospins and the like further prove how out of touch they are with the actual players. And let's not start the whole blurring of SE and TABs which has casinos not knowing their arse from their elbows :mad::mad::mad:
 
Great news they have acted quickly on this one. Clearly they were aware of the number of complaints against Smart Live over the past couple of months.

Smart Live on launch were a fantastic brand, good casino and live television broadcasts. Overtime, they suffered from NetPlayTV and no surprise they *may* have financial issues.
 
UKGC warns on SmartLive-Betowen

UKGC DISPUTES BETOWEN LICENSING CLAIM (Update)

Expresses concern over sports betting operation and promises action.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has posted a notice advising consumers beware of SmartLive Casino-powered online sports betting operator Betowen.com.

Betowen claims on its website that it is “fully regulated and licensed in the United Kingdom under licence number 000-002715-R-103240-006, however the notice published Tuesday warns consumers it is in fact not licensed by the UKGC.

UKGC expressed its “considerable concern” over BetOwen, saying that while the Commission is taking action it advises consumers not to deposit money with the operator.

Readers will recall the UKGC suspended the online gambling licensing awarded to Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd to operate online casinos like Guruplay.com, Smartlivebaccarat.com, Smartlivebingo.com, Smartliveblackjack.com, Smartlivecasino.com, Smartlivepoker.com and Smartlivesports.com late last week.
 
They have had their UKGC licence suspended yet FCA regulated Skrill and Neteller still maintain their merchant services with them for Uk players. If it is illegal for Smartlive to trade in the UK without a licence, I dont understand how this is possible.
 
Didn't Betowen get cought out a while ago with there fake licence and address?

With the other casino getting in the dog house it was a long time coming, I surprised they was allowed to broadcast on U.K T.V
 
UKGC DISPUTES BETOWEN LICENSING CLAIM (Update)

Expresses concern over sports betting operation and promises action.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has posted a notice advising consumers beware of SmartLive Casino-powered online sports betting operator Betowen.com.

Betowen claims on its website that it is “fully regulated and licensed in the United Kingdom under licence number 000-002715-R-103240-006, however the notice published Tuesday warns consumers it is in fact not licensed by the UKGC.

UKGC expressed its “considerable concern” over BetOwen, saying that while the Commission is taking action it advises consumers not to deposit money with the operator.

Readers will recall the UKGC suspended the online gambling licensing awarded to Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd to operate online casinos like Guruplay.com, Smartlivebaccarat.com, Smartlivebingo.com, Smartliveblackjack.com, Smartlivecasino.com, Smartlivepoker.com and Smartlivesports.com late last week.

In take it you never saw my YT video on May 12 2016 where I show the fake company number etc. of Betowen?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
UKGC DISPUTES BETOWEN LICENSING CLAIM (Update)

Expresses concern over sports betting operation and promises action.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has posted a notice advising consumers beware of SmartLive Casino-powered online sports betting operator Betowen.com.

Betowen claims on its website that it is “fully regulated and licensed in the United Kingdom under licence number 000-002715-R-103240-006, however the notice published Tuesday warns consumers it is in fact not licensed by the UKGC.

UKGC expressed its “considerable concern” over BetOwen, saying that while the Commission is taking action it advises consumers not to deposit money with the operator.

Readers will recall the UKGC suspended the online gambling licensing awarded to Smart TV Broadcasting Ltd to operate online casinos like Guruplay.com, Smartlivebaccarat.com, Smartlivebingo.com, Smartliveblackjack.com, Smartlivecasino.com, Smartlivepoker.com and Smartlivesports.com late last week.


See my video above from 3 months ago - not only fake license but BS company number with 'assets' of about 150 quid!! It's laughable.
 
SmartLive surrenders UK licensing

SMARTLIVE SURRENDERS U.K. ONLINE GAMBLING LICENCE (Update)

Suspension and criticism of Betowen activity preceded surrender.

Smart Live Gaming, which suffered the indignity of a licence suspension by the UK Gambling Commission and criticism of the questionable conduct of its Betowen subsidiary last week has surrendered its Combined Remote Operating License and General Betting Operating License as well as the associated Gambling Software License, the Commission advised Friday.

The company was suspended pending a review into whether it was suitable to carry on licensed activities; no details were given, but there have been a number of player no and slow payment complaints in recent months.

The suspension was accompanied by a directive that the operator settle all outstanding bets on its seven operational websites, and this warning was repeated in Friday's announcement.
 
SMARTLIVE SURRENDERS U.K. ONLINE GAMBLING LICENCE (Update)

Suspension and criticism of Betowen activity preceded surrender.

Smart Live Gaming, which suffered the indignity of a licence suspension by the UK Gambling Commission and criticism of the questionable conduct of its Betowen subsidiary last week has surrendered its Combined Remote Operating License and General Betting Operating License as well as the associated Gambling Software License, the Commission advised Friday.

The company was suspended pending a review into whether it was suitable to carry on licensed activities; no details were given, but there have been a number of player no and slow payment complaints in recent months.

The suspension was accompanied by a directive that the operator settle all outstanding bets on its seven operational websites, and this warning was repeated in Friday's announcement.

That's probably the end of hope for players who are waiting for payments from SLC as they had only the "basic" protection.

According to the UKGC regulation that means that player funds fall into the bankruptcy fund and players will have to join the queue with other creditors. They might see then 5-10% of their money in about 6-12 months, if that much.
 
That's probably the end of hope for players who are waiting for payments from SLC as they had only the "basic" protection.

According to the UKGC regulation that means that player funds fall into the bankruptcy fund and players will have to join the queue with other creditors. They might see then 5-10% of their money in about 6-12 months, if that much.

its bull shit mate, So much for all this protection of players funds they bang on so much about, I looked into abit and all it is that they have to keep so much separate :confused: What use is that if there going to do a run and jump than surley they can get there hands on the players funds also,

What really should happen is a real protection of funds where they cannot touch and kept in the hands of such like the GC, That way our funds are protected, And should be dished out for players only, I think that would be another mile stone as if some of theses casino knew that they could not touch our money I think they would take another look at the way the operate
 
its bull shit mate, So much for all this protection of players funds they bang on so much about, I looked into abit and all it is that they have to keep so much separate :confused: What use is that if there going to do a run and jump than surley they can get there hands on the players funds also,

What really should happen is a real protection of funds where they cannot touch and kept in the hands of such like the GC, That way our funds are protected, And should be dished out for players only, I think that would be another mile stone as if some of theses casino knew that they could not touch our money I think they would take another look at the way the operate

The options are available, depends which one the casino operator takes. The higher the protection the more costly it is, hence most go for the basic one, which is aka --> no real protection :rolleyes:

This is from the UKGC:

Capture 629.PNG
 
:eek: Cheers mate, I knew there was some kind of table, Isnt there always, I take it will do not need all our fingers and toes to count how many opted for the high security :D

Why bother ? Its not exactly going to get them a better rating, Theses major operators that hand out white labels should auto be signed a high one, A bloody lot of money to be lost there, Only takes 888 to make a blunder and that 99% of bingo players out of pocket and a bloody good % of casino players

The options are available, depends which one the casino operator takes. The higher the protection the more costly it is, hence most go for the basic one, which is aka --> no real protection :rolleyes:

This is from the UKGC:

View attachment 70153
 
:eek: Cheers mate, I knew there was some kind of table, Isnt there always, I take it will do not need all our fingers and toes to count how many opted for the high security :D

Why bother ? Its not exactly going to get them a better rating, Theses major operators that hand out white labels should auto be signed a high one, A bloody lot of money to be lost there, Only takes 888 to make a blunder and that 99% of bingo players out of pocket and a bloody good % of casino players

Well, you know now why SLC took only the basic option. :eek: :rolleyes:
 
Now Malta investigates Smartlive

MGA SUSPEND SMART GAMING GROUP LICENCE

Malta authority now investigating operator.

First Online Limited’s (previously known as Smart Gaming Group) woes continue as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) follow the UK Gambling Commission’s lead and suspend the company’s remote gaming licence MGA/CL1/574/2009.

According to the MGA, First Online Limited has been directed to “indefinitely suspend all gaming operations, cease to register new players, suspend all transactions on all websites, including deposits and withdrawals, and submit all data and documentation requested by the Authority”.

Furthermore any websites operated by First Online Limited, or associated with First Online Limited, which refer to MGA licensure are not approved to be operational, the MGA said in a press statement.

The authority invites players who deem to have any outstanding payments due to them on the afore mentioned licence to contact the MGA with relevant details of which a list can be found at mga.org.mt.
 
So it takes the U.K gaming commission to get the ball rolling ? I do not think MGL would of done bugger all, But I think due to the U.K.G.C got in there they had to show that there actually doing something useful
 
So it takes the U.K gaming commission to get the ball rolling ? I do not think MGL would of done bugger all, But I think due to the U.K.G.C got in there they had to show that there actually doing something useful

Not true I think Malta have really improved things in recent times. Rather I think it shows there is a huge can or worms being opened with this group. Writing is on the wall they are doomed. And I highly doubt any players who have funds locked in there accounts will see payment made.
 
Not true I think Malta have really improved things in recent times. Rather I think it shows there is a huge can or worms being opened with this group. Writing is on the wall they are doomed. And I highly doubt any players who have funds locked in there accounts will see payment made.

The groups been dodgy for ages. Why only now ? You tell me what other shit they have sorted?
 
The groups been dodgy for ages. Why only now ? You tell me what other shit they have sorted?

A question I have asked recently in a UKGC complaint.:thumbsup:
 
The groups been dodgy for ages. Why only now ? You tell me what other shit they have sorted?

Well Malta have the biggest names in online gambling licensed with them. Its one of the safer regions for sure and they are now taking action with this latest mess. To say they dont do shit is wrong imo. They are more responsive to player issues. Sure a few years back they were really lacking. but its a really respected licensing area now. Not that it effects us Brits. But if i was not in the UK I would feel safe as anywhere playing at a casino licensed under Malta.
 
Well Malta have the biggest names in online gambling licensed with them. Its one of the safer regions for sure and they are now taking action with this latest mess. To say they dont do shit is wrong imo. They are more responsive to player issues. Sure a few years back they were really lacking. but its a really respected licensing area now. Not that it effects us Brits. But if i was not in the UK I would feel safe as anywhere playing at a casino licensed under Malta.

Each to there own, I couldn't care less if they had an Iceland stamp, As long as the games are genuine and they pay out,

They may be getting there act together but it goes back to why now? should of been on the money when they take on the licence to sites, Only seem to be recently when other countrys are getting strict they want to know, I could go and find threads and show hand fulls of casino getting away with murder on the MGL, No point as you would already know this,

U.K license is not much cop either, Take that radio station the other day, But trust me once things start poping than fireworks will be exploding, Us players will be heard, and stop all the dodgy rules alot of casino have got,

We are getting there eventually, But I am afraid it may go to far than they will want blood samples of us
 

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