Taichi Tech Limited, trading online as Fafabet, has been fined £170,000 by the Gambling Commission for regulatory shortcomings, including the use of unfair terms and conditions, as well as failures in anti-money laundering and safer gambling controls.
Following an investigation, the Commission found that Fafabet’s promotional terms included a clause stating the operator could close accounts or forfeit winnings at its own discretion. The regulator determined this breached licensing conditions that require all terms to be fair, transparent, and compliant with consumer protection laws under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
The investigation also highlighted anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings. Examples included customers being able to gamble large amounts in a short timeframe with insufficient background checks, as well as cases where players showing signs of potential gambling harm received minimal intervention. In situations where safer gambling emails were sent and ignored, Fafabet did not take further action despite continued risky behaviour.
Alongside the financial penalty, Taichi Tech will be required to undergo a third-party audit to assess whether it is effectively enforcing its policies and controls around anti-money laundering and safer gambling. The decision underscores the regulator’s focus on enforcing standards that keep gambling fair and protect consumers in the iGaming sector.
John Pierce, Director of Enforcement and Intelligence at the Gambling Commission, said: “We expect all operators — regardless of their size or customer base — to comply with consumer protection legislation and ensure their terms and conditions meet regulatory standards.
“Licensed operators must ensure their terms are clear, fair, and transparent, so customers fully understand what to expect.”
