UKGC flags ‘serious weaknesses’ in Evolution’s AML controls, settlement averts licence loss

The UK Gambling Commission has detailed “serious weaknesses” in Evolution’s anti-money laundering safeguards after a review that could have cost the supplier its licence. The regulator concluded its probe in July 2025, with Evolution agreeing to a £4.75m settlement rather than facing suspension.

The investigation was triggered in December 2024 after Evolution-branded games were discovered on unlicensed gambling sites accessible to British consumers. The Commission found that between December 2023 and November 2024, UK players made large volumes of visits to those illegal platforms, which Evolution had supplied through a business partner.

John Pierce, the Commission’s Director of Enforcement, said the case exposed “serious weaknesses in Evolution’s anti-money laundering risk assessment and its oversight of risks within its supply chain.” He noted that the company’s risk assessment was “outdated and failed to adequately consider the risk of its games being made available through unlicensed operators.” The failings, he added, “were serious enough for us to consider licence suspension.”

However, Evolution’s swift cooperation and remedial action persuaded the regulator not to revoke its licence. Pierce acknowledged that Evolution “responded swiftly and comprehensively once these issues were identified, taking immediate action to strengthen its controls.” Subsequent testing has found no further problems, but the Commission warned it will continue monitoring the market for products used by illegal operators.

Beyond the regulatory settlement, Evolution faces additional financial pressures. The company must also pay $5.2m (£3.9m) to Galaxy Gaming for withdrawing from an acquisition deal, bringing the total direct outlay to roughly £8.6m. Ongoing litigation with Playtech could add millions in court costs, while the UK’s new 40% tax rate on B2C iGaming, effective from April 2026, is expected to ripple through the supply chain and affect developers like Evolution.