The regulator’s investigation revealed that TGP Europe failed to conduct proper checks on its business partners and breached AML rules, including not carrying out due diligence on third-party ownership structures or sources of funds.
TGP Europe has surrendered its licence to operate in Great Britain following a Gambling Commission ruling that required the company to pay a £3.3 million penalty and implement “significant” improvements to its anti-money laundering (AML) procedures.
The regulator’s investigation revealed that TGP Europe failed to conduct proper checks on its business partners and breached AML rules, including not carrying out due diligence on third-party ownership structures or sources of funds. The company also failed to follow enhanced due diligence measures outlined in its own AML policy.
This development leaves several high-profile football clubs — including Fulham (SBOTOP), Newcastle United (Fun88), and AFC Bournemouth (BJ88) — sponsored by brands previously operating under TGP Europe’s white-label arrangements. Wolverhampton Wanderers (DeBet) and Burnley (96.com), who will also play in the Premier League next season, are similarly affected.
The Gambling Commission is now engaging directly with the clubs involved. In a statement, it said:
“The Commission is seeking assurance from the clubs that they have carried out due diligence on their white-label partners and that consumers in Great Britain cannot transact with the unlicensed sites.”
“Clubs will be expected to demonstrate that geo-blocking measures are effective, and we will take steps to independently verify this. Officers may be held criminally liable if unlicensed gambling is promoted.”
John Pierce, Head of Enforcement at the Gambling Commission, commented:
“Following TGP’s exit, several online gambling operators can no longer lawfully offer gambling facilities to consumers located in Great Britain. These sites may not provide adequate protection against criminal activity or gambling-related harm and should not be available to GB consumers with immediate effect.”
“We’ve already contacted several clubs to highlight the impact and will be conducting spot checks to ensure compliance. It’s essential that clubs play their part in protecting fans from harm.”
TGP Europe had previously been fined £316,250 in 2023 for AML-related failings tied to its white-label agreements.
The case follows recent scrutiny of similar arrangements — including the departure of Stake from the UK market earlier this year — and serves as a warning to both operators and their commercial partners regarding regulatory expectations in Great Britain.