Following up from an investigation yesterday by iGaming Expert, it has been confirmed that TGP Europe has officially exited the UK market after significant AML failures were discovered by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The regulatory body confirmed that an investigation into the white label gambling operator had concluded with the firm being issued a £3.3m penalty for due diligence and AML failures.
A key aspect of TGP Europe’s business model has been operating UK domain names for Asia-focused brands, such as DEBET, and the Isle of Man-based SBOTOP. However, SBC News and iGaming Expert revealed a multitude of operators had ceased their platforms in the UK market.
According to the UKGC, TGP Europe was issued a sanction for failing to carry out sufficient checks on business partners, as well as for breaches of anti-money laundering rules.
This includes failing to carry out due diligence checks, failing to consider money laundering risks, failing to consider that any activity by third parties may have been illegal, and failing to implement due diligence measures outlined in its own AML policies.
TGP Europe is no stranger to regulatory investigation. In 2023, it was issued a £330,000 penalty and had additional licence conditions imposed by the UKGC for similar to AML infractions.
Though TGP Europe is headquartered on the Isle of Man, the island’s Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) states that the firm has not held a licence there since 2020, and it has instead operated its white label partnerships under a UKGC licence.
John Pierce, Commission Head of Enforcement, commented: “This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet the regulatory standards we expect from our licensees. It is right that they have now exited the British market.
“Following TGP’s exit, several online gambling operators can no longer lawfully offer gambling facilities to consumers located in Great Britain. These sites, previously operating under TGP’s licence, may not provide adequate protection against criminal activity or gambling-related harm and should not be available to GB consumers with immediate effect.”
Various companies TGP Europe operated domains for also held a significant sponsorship presence with Premier League football clubs.
In the UK, non-UK licensed operators can make sponsorship arrangements with sports teams if the white label version of their offering is undertaken by a UK licensed company.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC are partnered with DEBET, Fulham FC with SBOTOP, Newcastle United with Sportsbetio.uk and AFC Bournemouth with bj88.
In the case of Fulham’s partner, SBOTOP, the latter’s owner, Celton Manx, also surrendered its Isle of Man licence several days before today’s UKGC announcement.
Upon announcing the news of TGP Europe’s exit, the UKGC warned the football clubs involved in sponsorship deals with brands linked to TGP Europe that they must do due diligence to ensure UK consumers cannot access the sites.
The letter, sent to Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, Wolves and the newly-promoted Burnley, who are partnered with 96.com, warned clubs that relevant employees may be liable for prosecution and, if convicted, could face fines and/or imprisonment if they are found to be promoting unlicensed operators.
Pierce added that the UKGC will be carrying out spot checks to ensure these sites remain blocked, and appropriate action will be taken if this is not the case.
“It is essential that football clubs play their part in protecting fans and GB consumers who may be exposed to advertising of these sites through their sponsorship arrangements from harm or exploitation. All licensed operators with similar arrangements to TGP should take notice of the action taken in this case,” concluded Pierce.
