The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched the first-of-its-kind legal action in the country. On Friday, the BBC reported that YouTube stars Craig Douglas and Dylan Rigby have been charged with offences under the UK Gambling Act. UKGC alleges that the pair of Essex residents promoted a lottery and advertised unlawful gambling.
Craig Douglas, known as Nepenthez on YouTube, frequently publishes video game-related content to his 1.3 million subscribers and is being charged with advertising the practice of unlawful gambling as well as inviting children to take part in gambling activities. Dylan Rigby is being charged with providing facilities for gambling.
Both men have promoted their sites in the past without fully identifying the act being an advertisement. Even though their followers have been reminding them of the possible consequences, the pair chose to ignore the warnings.
The case, which was brought forward by UKGC which is responsible for regulating commercial gambling in Great Britain will have a follow up hearing on October 14.