Craig Douglas and Dylan Rigby have pleaded guilty to two charges linked to their gambling website.
In 2016, Craig and Dylan were charged with breaching the 2005 Gambling Act by running an unlicensed website that allowed gamers to gamble using virtual currency. This is the first time the Gambling Commission has prosecuted anyone for running an unlicensed gambling website connected to a video game.
Since taken down, the “social gaming” website FUTGalaxy allowed FIFA 17 players to transfer virtual currency from the video game to the website, where they could bet on real-life football matches. They were then able to transfer any winnings back to the video game.
As this virtual currency can also be sold on an online black market, the Gambling Commission has stated that betting websites such as these are illegal. Craig must pay £91,000 and Dylan £164,000 in fines and costs for ownership of the website and advertising illegal gambling.
The district judge at Birmingham Magistrates Court stated: “The aggravating features of these offences are they were committed over a relatively long period of about six months. Children were gambling on your site. It’s impossible for me to know how many or the effect on them.
“In my opinion, both of you were aware of the use of the site by children and the attractiveness of it to children. At the very least, you both turned a blind eye to it.”
Sarah Harrison, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, commented that this has been one of the most serious cases investigated and prosecuted by the Commission.
“This case demonstrates that we will use the full range of our statutory powers to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies who try to operate illegally,” she added.
Following the outcome, Craig tweeted to apologise to his friends, family and viewers and stated that he would upload a video “in due course” to explain his side of the story.
I want to thank all of those that have supported me through my journey. I would understand any viewers choice to no longer watch my content
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) February 6, 2017
I’ll upload a video in due course presenting my side of the story. The facts remain I plead guilty to 2 charges, and a substantial fine
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) February 6, 2017
Was the outcome. I’d like once again to apologise to everyone and thank you all for being a part of my life. May our journey go forth.
— NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) February 6, 2017
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