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Home Register of Violations Violation Report #005
Compliance Assessment Report • Referred to Gambling Commission

youtube.com/@slotsmaster2024

YouTube streamer
Referred to GC

This YouTube channel has been assessed as non-compliant with UK gambling regulations following comprehensive evaluation against 47 compliance indicators. Multiple critical violations identified relating to marketing to children, absence of age restrictions on gambling content, irresponsible gambling portrayal, and promotion of unlicensed operators. Case referred to Gambling Commission due to serious child protection concerns and potential breach of broadcasting standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Date 05 October 2025
Published Date 30 October 2025
Critical Violations 6 of 47 indicators
Weighted Score 56%
Classification Non-compliant (N)
GC Referral Date 15 October 2025

Assessment Timeline

1
Assessment Completed
05 October 2025
2
Creator Notified
08 October 2025
3
Referred to GC
15 October 2025
4
Appeal Period Expired
05 November 2025 (28 days)
5
Published to Register
30 October 2025

Gambling Commission referral: This case was referred to the Gambling Commission on 15 October 2025 due to serious violations including marketing to children, absence of age restrictions on gambling content, and promotion of unlicensed operators. The Commission has acknowledged receipt and initiated independent investigation. Enforcement action may include contact with YouTube/Google, industry guidance updates, and potential sanctions against promoted operators.

Critical Violations Identified

AV-03

Content does not appeal specifically to children (cartoon imagery, youth cultural references)

Legal basis: CAP 16.3.12 - Marketing to children prohibition
Critical

Violation Description

Channel content features multiple elements with particular appeal to children: animated slot machine graphics with cartoon-style characters, upbeat electronic music popular with youth audiences, gaming language and terminology familiar to younger demographics ("GG", "poggers", "let's gooo"), and presentation style mimicking popular gaming YouTubers. Video thumbnails use bright colors, emoji overlays, and excitement-driven imagery consistent with youth-oriented content. CAP Code 16.3.12 explicitly prohibits gambling marketing from appealing particularly to children through imagery, language, or cultural references.

Assessment Evidence: Analyzed 25 video uploads from past 90 days. Identified cartoon-style slot animations in 18 videos, youth gaming slang in 23 videos, EDM/electronic music tracks popular on TikTok in 20 videos. Thumbnail analysis: 22 of 25 videos use high-saturation colors (neon pink, lime green, cyan) and multiple emoji overlays - aesthetic consistent with youth content rather than adult gambling material. Channel avatar features animated character rather than photo/professional logo.
Child Protection Concern: Content presentation style creates risk of normalizing gambling to underage viewers. Use of youth cultural markers may make gambling content appear as entertainment rather than regulated financial activity, potentially influencing minors' attitudes toward gambling before legal age.

Remediation Guidance

To achieve compliance with CAP 16.3.12:

  • 1. Remove cartoon-style animations and replace with realistic slot machine footage
  • 2. Eliminate youth gaming slang - use professional, adult-oriented language
  • 3. Redesign thumbnails: remove emoji overlays, use muted color palettes, professional typography
  • 4. Replace background music with content clearly targeted at adult audiences
  • 5. Update channel avatar to professional logo or adult presenter photo
  • 6. Adopt presentation style consistent with adult financial services content
  • 7. Review all existing video content and update or remove non-compliant material
AV-04

No marketing to persons under 18 (youth influencer partnerships, platforms with majority under-18 audiences)

Legal basis: LCCP 5.1.2 - Protection of children and young persons
Critical

Violation Description

Channel actively markets gambling content through platforms and partnerships with high under-18 audience composition. Identified cross-promotion on TikTok (@slotsmaster2024) where creator has 48,000 followers - platform demographic data shows 25% of TikTok users globally are 10-19 years old. Channel features collaboration videos with gaming influencers whose audiences skew young (average viewer age 16-24). Instagram presence (@slots_master_2024) uses hashtags popular with youth audiences (#gaming, #fyp, #viral). LCCP 5.1.2 prohibits marketing gambling services to persons under 18 through any medium including social media platforms with significant youth audiences.

Assessment Evidence: TikTok account verified with 48,000 followers, posts short-form slot session clips with links to full YouTube videos. TikTok analytics (estimated via engagement metrics) suggest median viewer age 18-24 with significant under-18 segment. Instagram account (@slots_master_2024, 12,300 followers) cross-promotes YouTube content using hashtags: #gaming (not #gambling), #slots, #bigwin, #fyp. Collaboration video identified: "INSANE SLOT SESSION with @GamerKid_UK" (published 22 Sept 2025) - collaborator's channel demographics show 62% viewers aged 13-24.
Regulatory Breach: Cross-platform marketing strategy actively directs youth audiences toward gambling content. Use of platforms with high under-18 composition combined with youth influencer collaborations constitutes systematic violation of LCCP child protection provisions.

Remediation Guidance

Required actions to cease marketing to minors:

  • 1. Cease all gambling content promotion on TikTok - remove account or convert to non-gambling content
  • 2. Review Instagram hashtag strategy - remove youth-oriented tags (#fyp, #gaming, #viral)
  • 3. Use gambling-specific hashtags only: #adultgambling, #18plus, #responsiblegambling
  • 4. Terminate influencer collaborations with creators whose audiences skew under-25
  • 5. Remove existing collaboration videos featuring youth-oriented influencers
  • 6. Implement age-gating on all social media accounts (18+ warnings in bio)
  • 7. Future collaborations: verify partner audience demographics (minimum 90% over-18)
AV-08

YouTube content age-restricted (18+) and includes warning in video description

Legal basis: CAP 16.3.12 - Age restrictions for gambling content
Critical

Violation Description

Channel videos do not have YouTube's 18+ age restriction enabled. Tested 25 recent video uploads - zero videos display "This video may be inappropriate for some users" age gate. All content immediately accessible without age verification. Video descriptions lack required gambling warnings - no "18+ only" language, no responsible gambling messaging, no disclaimers about gambling risks. CAP Code 16.3.12 requires gambling content to be age-restricted and clearly labeled as adult material. YouTube's age restriction feature prevents logged-out viewing and requires account age verification - essential safeguard not implemented.

Assessment Evidence: Tested video access from logged-out state (no YouTube account) - all 25 videos played without restriction. Examined video settings via YouTube Studio screenshots provided by similar creators - age restriction toggle visible but not enabled. Video descriptions analyzed: 0 of 25 contain "18+" warnings, 0 mention age requirements, 0 include responsible gambling disclaimers. Typical description format: game name, affiliate links, social media links - no age/harm warnings. Channel "About" section similarly lacks age restriction notice.
Exposure to Minors: Absence of age restrictions means gambling content algorithmically recommended to and viewable by YouTube users under 18. Without age gate, content serves as unrestricted gambling marketing to minors in direct violation of UK child protection standards.

Remediation Guidance

Implementation steps for age restrictions:

  • 1. Enable YouTube age restriction (18+) on ALL existing gambling-related videos immediately
  • 2. YouTube Studio → Video Details → Audience → "Yes, restrict to viewers over 18"
  • 3. Add prominent warning at start of every video description (first line, all caps)
  • 4. Example description warning: "⚠️ 18+ ONLY | GAMBLING CONTENT | Please gamble responsibly"
  • 5. Include BeGambleAware link in every video description
  • 6. Update channel "About" section with 18+ notice and responsible gambling links
  • 7. Add verbal age warning at start of each video: "This content is for adults 18 and over only"
  • 8. Set all future uploads to age-restricted by default in channel settings
RG-07

No encouragement to chase losses or continue gambling when experiencing harm

Legal basis: CAP 16.3.3 - Responsible gambling standards
Critical

Violation Description

Content repeatedly encourages problematic gambling behaviors including loss-chasing and continuing play during losing streaks. Video analysis identified multiple concerning statements: "We're down £500 but I KNOW the bonus is coming - let's keep spinning!" (12 Sept video, 08:24), "Lost £800 today but we're going again tomorrow - it HAS to pay eventually!" (19 Sept video, 15:42), "Never give up! The big win is just around the corner!" (25 Sept video, conclusion). Content portrays persistence through losses as admirable rather than harmful. No messaging about setting loss limits, taking breaks, or recognizing problem gambling signs. CAP 16.3.3 prohibits content that encourages consumers to gamble irresponsibly or chase losses.

Assessment Evidence: Analyzed 25 videos, identified loss-chasing encouragement in 18 videos. Documented specific problematic statements with timestamps. Common themes: "One more spin", "We're due a win", "Never give up", "It has to pay sometime". Video on 19 September shows £1,200 total loss over 2-hour session - creator response: "This is just variance, we'll get it back". No videos feature responsible gambling messages like "Know when to stop" or "Set a budget". One video shows creator depositing additional £500 after losing initial £800 - describes as "smart strategy" rather than problematic behavior.
Harm Facilitation: Content actively promotes gambling fallacies (gambler's fallacy, "due for a win") and loss-chasing behavior - primary indicators of problem gambling. Viewers may internalize these attitudes and apply harmful strategies in their own gambling.

Remediation Guidance

Content revisions for responsible portrayal:

  • 1. Remove all videos containing loss-chasing encouragement or "never give up" messaging
  • 2. Prohibit statements like "due for a win", "has to pay", or "one more spin"
  • 3. When experiencing losses, acknowledge and end session - model healthy gambling behavior
  • 4. Include responsible gambling reminders in every video: "Know when to stop" at natural break points
  • 5. Discuss pre-set budgets and loss limits - demonstrate stopping when limits reached
  • 6. Explicitly debunk gambling fallacies: "Each spin is random - previous results don't predict future outcomes"
  • 7. Never show depositing more money after initial budget exhausted
  • 8. Include pinned comment on all videos linking to GamCare, BeGambleAware, Gambling Therapy
RG-11

Reality check messaging: gambling portrayed as entertainment not income source

Legal basis: CAP 16.3.5 - Gambling as entertainment vs income
Critical

Violation Description

Content systematically portrays gambling as income-generating activity rather than entertainment. Video titles emphasize profit: "How I Made £12,000 in ONE HOUR!", "QUITTING MY JOB - Making £5k/week from Slots!", "Best Slots to WIN MONEY in 2025". Channel branding positions slot gambling as viable income strategy. "About" section describes creator as "Professional Slot Player" and claims "Teaching you how to profit from online slots". Content lacks reality-check messaging about gambling mathematics, house edge, or expected losses. No disclaimers that wins shown are exceptional/non-representative. CAP 16.3.5 requires gambling portrayed as entertainment, prohibits suggesting gambling can be solution to financial concerns or alternative to employment.

Assessment Evidence: Video title analysis (50 most recent uploads): 38 titles reference "profit", "income", "make money", "win big", or similar financial gain language. Zero titles reference "entertainment" or "fun". Channel "About" section quote: "I've replaced my 9-5 income with online slots and now I teach others to do the same". Patreon tier advertised ($49/month) offers "Profit-Maximizing Slot Strategies" - implies gambling can generate consistent returns. Video from 28 Sept includes statement: "This is how I pay my bills - slots are my full-time income". No videos contain disclaimers about negative expected value, house edge, or mathematical impossibility of long-term profit.
Financial Harm Risk: Portraying gambling as income source creates false expectations and may encourage viewers to gamble with money they cannot afford to lose. Particularly harmful during cost-of-living pressures when financially vulnerable individuals seek income alternatives.

Remediation Guidance

Required content repositioning:

  • 1. Remove all video titles referencing profit, income, "make money", or financial gain
  • 2. Reposition channel as entertainment/gaming channel - NOT income/profit channel
  • 3. Update "About" section: remove "professional player" claim, add "for entertainment purposes only"
  • 4. Eliminate Patreon tier offering "profit strategies" - violates CAP 16.3.5
  • 5. Add disclaimer to all videos: "Results shown are not typical. Gambling has negative expected value and should only be done with money you can afford to lose."
  • 6. Include reality checks in content: "Slots are entertainment, not an income source or investment"
  • 7. Discuss house edge and expected losses - educate viewers about mathematical reality
  • 8. Never suggest gambling can replace employment, solve financial problems, or generate reliable income
OL-03

No promotion of unlicensed white label or offshore operators

Legal basis: Gambling Act 2005 s.330 - Aiding unlicensed gambling
Critical

Violation Description

Channel promotes multiple Curacao-licensed casinos without UK Gambling Commission authorization. Video descriptions contain affiliate links to operators including "RoyalSpins Casino" (Curacao license 8048/JAZ), "CryptoSlots247" (unlicensed), and "MegaWin Casino" (Curacao license 5536/JAZ). Creator verbally promotes these operators in video content: "Check out RoyalSpins in the description - amazing bonus!" without disclosing lack of UK licensing. Videos filmed on these unlicensed platforms constitute active promotion to UK viewers. Cross-referenced all promoted operators (8 total) with UK Gambling Commission register - zero hold valid UK licenses. GA 2005 s.330 makes it offense to invite, cause or enable person to participate in unlicensed remote gambling.

Assessment Evidence: Examined video descriptions for 30 uploads - identified affiliate links to 8 distinct casino operators. Cross-checked each against GC public register (accessed 05 Oct 2025): 0 of 8 operators hold UK licenses. License verification via operator websites: 5 display Curacao licensing (Antillephone N.V.), 2 display Malta MGA licensing without UK remote gambling authority, 1 displays no licensing information. Video content analysis: creator verbally promotes unlicensed operators in 12 videos using phrases "sign up via my link", "great bonuses available", "I play here daily". On-screen overlays in 8 videos display unlicensed casino logos with "Link in Description" text.
Consumer Harm: Promoting unlicensed operators directs UK viewers to gambling services without UKGC consumer protections including GamStop access, complaints/ADR procedures, player fund safeguarding, and responsible gambling tools. Viewers gambling on these sites have no regulatory recourse if disputes arise.

Remediation Guidance

Immediate corrective actions:

  • 1. Remove ALL affiliate links to unlicensed operators from all video descriptions immediately
  • 2. Delete or privatize any videos filmed on unlicensed casino platforms
  • 3. Verify ALL promoted operators via GC public register before creating future content
  • 4. Terminate affiliate partnerships with Curacao/Malta-only licensed operators
  • 5. Establish partnership policy: UK Gambling Commission license mandatory for all promoted operators
  • 6. Add disclosure to channel: "I only promote UK-licensed casinos regulated by the Gambling Commission"
  • 7. Quarterly audit of affiliate relationships to ensure ongoing license validity
  • 8. Display operator GC license numbers in video descriptions for transparency

Gambling Commission Enforcement Action

This case has been referred to the Gambling Commission's Enforcement and Intelligence team due to multiple serious violations with potential criminal liability:

  • • Marketing to children (AV-03, AV-04): Systematic use of youth-appealing content and platforms with under-18 audiences - potential breach of Gambling Act 2005 s.46 (inviting children to gamble)
  • • Promotion of unlicensed operators (OL-03): Multiple affiliate relationships with Curacao-licensed casinos - potential breach of GA 2005 s.330 (advertising unlicensed gambling)
  • • Irresponsible content (RG-07, RG-11): Loss-chasing encouragement and portrayal of gambling as income source - breach of Social Responsibility Code principles

Potential outcomes: Commission may contact YouTube/Google regarding content moderation, issue public statement on influencer compliance expectations, initiate proceedings against promoted operators for affiliate management failures, and/or coordinate with Advertising Standards Authority on CAP Code enforcement. Creator may face personal liability under s.330 for aiding unlicensed gambling.

Assessment Team

AC

Alexandra Chen

Senior Compliance Analyst
Primary Assessor
40-hour methodology training completed (September 2024)
Inter-rater reliability κ = 0.97
156 assessments completed to date
LB

Lucas Brown

Compliance Analyst
Secondary Verifier (Dual Verification Protocol)
40-hour methodology training completed (September 2024)
Inter-rater reliability κ = 0.93
112 assessments completed to date

Dual verification protocol: This assessment was conducted independently by two trained analysts. Both analysts reached consensus on all 6 critical violation determinations. Assessment methodology version 2.1 applied throughout. Evidence package includes: YouTube video archives (25 videos downloaded for preservation), TikTok/Instagram account screenshots, affiliate link documentation, GC register API queries for operator licensing verification, and transcript excerpts with timestamps for problematic statements.

Next Steps for Content Creator

Remediate Violations

Implement corrective actions urgently given Gambling Commission referral. Priority actions: enable YouTube age restrictions on all videos, remove unlicensed operator links, cease TikTok gambling promotion. Failure to remediate may result in formal enforcement action including potential criminal proceedings under GA 2005 s.46 and s.330.

Content creator compliance guide

Legal Considerations

Given serious nature of violations and GC referral, recommend seeking legal advice on potential liability under Gambling Act 2005. Violations of s.330 (advertising unlicensed gambling) carry criminal penalties including unlimited fines. Document all remediation steps for submission to Gambling Commission.

Contact us for guidance

Important Information

Appeal rights: You may submit formal appeal to Independent Advisory Board within 30 working days (deadline: 29 November 2025). However, appeal will not halt Gambling Commission investigation which proceeds independently of this assessment.

Gambling Commission investigation: Commission has been provided with complete assessment evidence package and may contact you directly. Recommend preparing documentation of: affiliate relationships and commissions received, content creation/publishing process, audience demographics data (if available), and any age verification or responsible gambling measures currently implemented. Consider engaging legal representation for Commission engagement.

YouTube Terms of Service: Violations identified may breach YouTube's Community Guidelines regarding harmful or dangerous content, particularly promotion of unlicensed gambling services. YouTube may independently take action against channel including content removal, monetization restrictions, or channel termination. Consider voluntarily implementing remediation measures before YouTube review.

Affiliate partnerships: Promoted operators may terminate affiliate relationships due to compliance failures. UK-licensed operators in particular face regulatory pressure to ensure affiliate compliance with LCCP and CAP Code standards. Document all operator communications regarding this assessment.

Public register: This channel will remain on Register of Violations until successful reassessment following remediation. Presence on register is publicly searchable and may impact current and future commercial opportunities, brand partnerships, and platform monetization eligibility. Immediate remediation strongly recommended to minimize reputational and financial impact.

Return to Register of Violations