TGP Europe has officially withdrawn from the UK gambling market, opting to leave rather than pay a £3.3 million ($4.38 million) penalty issued by the UK Gambling Commission. The decision comes after a regulatory investigation revealed multiple compliance failures tied to due diligence and risk assessments.
Major Operator, Major Failings
As a white label platform provider, TGP Europe powered 31 online casino brands, including BCGame.uk, duelbits.co.uk, and stake.uk.com. These brands gained attention for sponsoring high-profile football clubs. BC.Game, for instance, served as Leicester City’s principal partner, with a social media post about the partnership reportedly reaching 2.2 billion views last summer.
However, while Leicester City celebrated Premier League success, BC.Game faced serious trouble—pulling its Curaçao license amid swirling bankruptcy rumours.
Gambling Commission Investigation
The Gambling Commission’s investigation found that TGP Europe failed to conduct adequate due diligence on the entities behind its partner brands. It also overlooked key anti-money laundering (AML) risks and failed to assess the legality of third-party activities either in the UK or abroad.
Rather than correct these issues and continue operating under UK regulation, TGP chose to exit the British market, leaving many football clubs tied to now-unlicensed gambling operators.
Football Clubs Under Pressure
The Commission has since contacted several football clubs to flag potential compliance risks tied to their gambling sponsors. Clubs must now prove they conducted proper background checks on these partnerships.
Notably, the following Premier League clubs were partnered with TGP-operated brands:
- AFC Bournemouth (BJ88)
- Fulham FC (SBOTOP)
- Newcastle United FC (Sportsbet.io & Fun88)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (Debet)
- Burnley FC (96.com)
Regulator Responds
John Pierce, Head of Enforcement at the Gambling Commission, said:
“This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet our regulatory standards. Their exit is the correct outcome.”
Pierce added that all former TGP-powered sites must immediately cease operations in Great Britain, as they no longer offer legal protection for consumers against criminal activity or gambling-related harm.
He also urged football clubs to take stronger responsibility:
“We’ve contacted multiple clubs to warn them of the risks and will continue to carry out unannounced checks. If we find that these unlicensed sites are still accessible via VPNs or any other means, we will take appropriate enforcement action.”
Consumer Warning
The Commission warned that gambling sites previously licensed under TGP are now considered unregulated and should be avoided. Fans and consumers who encounter these brands through football sponsorships or other ads are urged to stay away.
Pierce concluded:
“Football clubs must help shield fans from harm and ensure any sponsorship ties do not expose consumers to illegal operators. Other licensees with similar arrangements should take note—this is the standard we expect.”
