Kindred concludes UK regulatory review of its 32Red and Unibet brands

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Kindred Group plc will pay £7.1 million and has received a warning from the U.K. Gambling Commission due to historic AML and social responsibility shortcomings. Kindred acknowledges and appreciates the Commission’s clear recognition that the Group’s UK operation is in an improved position since the assessment took place and that it remains suitable to hold an operating license. Kindred accepts that certain systems and processes in place in 2020 and early 2021 were not in line with Commission expectations around affordability. As a result of those actions taken, Kindred recognizes that similar cases to those highlighted by the Commission are unlikely to happen today within its new framework.

Kindred also treats the requirement for an independent audit of its processes as an important opportunity to ensure it obtains maximum reassurance that the business is on the right track.

“While we accept the outcome, and the acknowledgment that we have already taken significant steps to strengthen our processes, we also recognize that we need to work even harder to ensure a safe and compliant business. We appreciate the Commission’s clear recognition that our operations are in an improving position and that we remain fit to hold an operating licence. Our commitment to reducing gambling harm across our platforms is a key part of our Journey towards Zero ambition – and we are redoubling our efforts to ensure we continue that progress,” says Henrik Tjärnström, CEO Kindred Group.

Kindred has also increased headcount in the UK compliance and risk management teams, and has continued to implement improvements to processes – including, but not limited to:

- All customers have limits, tailored to their financial risk profile, set on their account as part of a robust affordability framework – including a bespoke approach to customers under 25 years of age
- Implementing full registration blocks for players who shown signs of significant financial pressure
- Voluntarily impose stake limits on certain products depending on individual risk profiles - with lower affordability customers unable to stake at higher levels
- Continued roll-out of automated interventions to ensure rapid reaction to any signs of escalating risk among players

Kindred’s firm ambition is to continue leveraging this work – utilizing advancements in data and technology, and looks forward to working with stakeholders in the UK to advance its ambition to reduce gambling harms.

UK Journey towards Zero Facts

Through its Journey towards Zero, Kindred is increasing its efforts to keep its players safe as it continues to create a sustainable future for the business and its players. Since Q1 of 2020 up to Q4 of 2022, there has been a 57% reduction in the revenue derived from high risk players in the U.K. Over the last 90 days in the U.K., 87% of the interventions made after a detection by it’s the PS-EDS monitoring system resulted in healthier behavior – with over 50% of UK players now voluntarily using at least one responsible gambling tool. This is a strong foundation to continue building from.