British charitable lottery operator has licence suspended

The Gambling Commission has suspended Capen’s licence while it conducts a review of its business.

UK.- The Gambling Commission has suspended charitable lottery operator Capen’s operating and software licences pending an investigation of its business.

The regulator took the measure under section 116 of the 2005 Gambling Act, which allows the Commission to suspend licences pending review if it has reason to believe an operator is breaking conditions of the licence.

It said: “The review follows concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Gambling Act, not in accordance with a condition of their licence and that the licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities.”

Founded by current chief executive Simon Rydings, Capen received its operating licence in 2014 and a software licence in 2017.

It runs The Little Lottery, The Sports Lotto and Zaffo. It previously also ran the former Lottery For Kids. 

According to The Little Lottery’s marketing communications, it gives 23 per cent of revenues to good causes.

The Gambling Commission has suspended several licences this year,  including those of igaming operator Stakers and lottery betting operator Multi-Media Entertainment.

In November it revoked the licence of the London casino, the Park Lane Club, which is appealing the decision.