Slots hall fined £150k for blocking self-exclusion scheme
Three Leicester gaming centres kept running for months without offering a self-exclusion scheme, despite repeated warnings from the UKGC.
The UK Gambling Commission has fined Holland Park Leisure Limited £150,000 after the operator of three adult gaming centres in Leicester failed to join the mandatory multi-operator self-exclusion scheme.
The regulator announced the enforcement action on 18 August 2026, following a licence review that found the company in breach of Social Responsibility Code Provision 3.5.6. Under UK gambling regulations, all land-based gambling businesses must participate in a recognised self-exclusion programme that allows customers to ban themselves from multiple premises in their local area.
Holland Park Leisure had been made aware of its obligation to join the scheme but did not implement the required systems until the Commission suspended its licence in October 2025. The regulator said the delay in taking action, along with misleading information provided during enquiries, were significant factors in determining the penalty amount.
The operator has also been instructed to commission an independent third-party audit of its policies, procedures and controls, including a review of staff training on responsible gambling and self-exclusion protocols.
John Pierce, the Commission’s Director of Enforcement and Intelligence, emphasised the importance of self-exclusion schemes in protecting vulnerable customers. “Self-exclusion schemes provide a crucial service for people who feel they are suffering gambling harm,” he said. “It is important that all operators fully integrate with the scheme and maintain effective safeguards for self-excluded customers.”
Pierce added that every operator must ensure they are fully participating in a recognised multi-operator self-exclusion scheme, have effective procedures to identify and prevent self-excluded customers from gambling at their premises, and train staff to manage self-exclusion properly and direct individuals to support services.
“These are not optional requirements,” he said. “They are fundamental licence conditions designed to protect consumers from harm, and operators that fail to meet them can expect regulatory action.”
Adult gaming centres, sometimes known as high-street slots halls, offer category B and C gaming machines to over-18 customers. The venues have come under increased regulatory scrutiny in recent months, with the government announcing plans to give local councils greater planning powers over such premises on Britain’s high streets.
What it means for players
If you play at land-based gaming venues such as bookmakers, bingo halls or adult gaming centres, you have the right to self-exclude from all participating premises in your area through a single request. The scheme is designed to help people who feel their gambling is causing harm.
When you self-exclude through a multi-operator scheme, every venue in that network should block your access and refuse to allow you to gamble. Operators are required by law to participate, keep accurate records, train staff properly, and have systems in place to identify and turn away anyone who has excluded themselves.
This fine shows the Commission will take action against businesses that fail to offer this protection, even if they eventually comply after enforcement action begins. If you’re concerned about your own gambling or that of someone you know, free support is available through BeGambleAware, GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline.
Primary source: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/
