Circular No. 2 of 2019 – Unannounced Inspections or Spot Checks

Circular No. 2 of 2019 Date: 27th February, 2019   Unannounced Inspections or Spot Checks The Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) would like to draw the attention that all licensees under the Seychelles Gambling Act, 2014 (“the Act”) are subject to unannounced inspections (i.e. spot checks), which is conducted by the inspector(s) appointed by the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) in accordance with section 39 of the Act.   A spot check is an onsite visit to a licensed premise or any other premises where the FSA provides no prior notification of its intention to carry out an inspection to the holder of a licence or the person in charge of the premises or managing the said business at the time of the inspection. The objectives of such spot checks are to ensure licensees are in compliance with the Act, any other conditions of the licence and other regulatory requirements.   These spot checks are conducted by the FSA in accordance with section 40(1)(a) of the Act, and can be conducted at any reasonable time, upon any licensed premises occupied or used for the purposes of any activity concerning gambling or any other premises on which it is suspected that gambling related activities are occurring by the appointed inspector.   All licensees are required to provide full cooperation to inspectors appointed by the FSA during spot checks and ensure that all persons in charge of the premise during such spot checks are aware of the procedures. In the event that entry into the premise is refused to an inspector, same may request assistance from a police officer who may acquire a warrant, as per section 38 of the Act.   Licensees are reminded that under section 41 of the Act, any such force necessary may be used by the police officer or inspector to overcome any resistance against such entry, including the breaking of any door or window. Financial Services Authority