From Investigation To Closure In Just 4 Days

The hugely popular mFortune (and sisters sites), have decided to close their doors after a recent investigation by the Gambling Commission.

On September 1^st, the governing body announced that it would be conducting a review of InTouch Games Limited, the owner of Bonus Boss, Cashmo, mFortune Bingo and Casino, Casino2020, Dr Slot,
Jammy Monkey, Mr Spin, Pocket Win and Slot Factory, and as a result of this it had no other option but to suspend its operating licences (numbers 002091-R-104264-033, 002091-R-104264-033 and 002091-R-104264-033), but why?

The review and subsequent suspension (in accordance with section 118 (2) of the Act), was due to concerns the operator was not complying with the terms and conditions (rules) of its gambling licence, namely relating to money laundering, fair and transparent terms and practices and the lack of reporting key events.

Nobody Saw This Coming:

However, things to an unexpected turn when InTouch Games Limited decided to surrender its Gambling Commission licence just 4 days later on September 5^th. When attempting to access our accounts on Saturday 9^th September we were met with the following message:

“We regret to inform you that we have taken the difficult decision to surrender our licence with immediate effect and you will no longer be able to deposit and use our services. Please be assured that any outstanding balances on your account will remain protected and available to be withdrawn in accordance with our terms and conditions.

You can find further details of how to withdraw your funds by logging in to your account. If you have any queries relating to our surrender you can direct these to our customer support team by using the Support section of the website.”

OMG Really?

This now means all websites owned by the operator are now closed…

…but what does that mean for customers? The Gambling Commission has a policy in place which involves the operator giving customers a suggested 4 weeks’ notice before closing all player accounts. This means registered players on either or all of those gambling websites have a set time in which to log in and request a withdrawal of any funds that may be in accounts.

The operator must lay out what it tends to do with any funds left in accounts beyond the recommended 4 week period, with suggestions in the Gambling Commission terms and conditions stating an external website should be created in a bid to allow customers access to their accounts to request withdrawals.

Now that the gambling licence has been suspended, does this mean investigations into the operator will cease? Absolutely not! Here’s what the powers that be said: “Despite the surrender, and as set out in our Licensing, compliance and enforcement policy, the Commission has the power to continue its investigations into ITG. It will also consider whether any action is needed against those who hold personal management licences at the operator at the relevant time.” Ouch!

Source:

“Suspension of Licences – In Touch Games Limited”, gamblingcommission.gov.uk, September 1, 2023.