TGP Europe Hit with £3.3 Million Fine Over AML Failures, Exits UK Market

TGP Europe, a white-label gambling operator linked to several Premier League sponsors, has pulled out of the UK market after being hit with a £3.3 million ($4.38 million) fine by the UK Gambling Commission. The regulator found widespread failures in anti-money laundering (AML) checks and risk assessments.

Good to know

• TGP Europe managed 31 gambling sites, including those backing top-tier football clubs.
• The Commission has warned clubs to stop promoting any unlicensed brands.
• Football clubs may face legal action if these blocked sites remain accessible in the UK.

Based in the Isle of Man, TGP Europe operated multiple domains connected to sponsors of clubs like Fulham (SBOTOP), Bournemouth (BJ88), Newcastle United (Fun88 and Sportsbet.io), Wolverhampton (Debet), and Burnley (96.com). All these platforms functioned under TGP Europe’s licence, which is now invalid.

The Gambling Commission’s investigation uncovered serious compliance issues, including weak vetting of third-party business partners and a lack of effective controls to manage money laundering risks. Some failures involved the company’s inability to prevent potential illegal activity linked to external affiliates.

John Pierce, Head of Enforcement at the Gambling Commission, called out the company’s lack of compliance. “This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet the regulatory standards we expect from our licensees,” he said.

Pierce confirmed that the Commission has reached out to the involved football clubs, stressing the consequences of TGP’s withdrawal. “We will be carrying out checks—without further notice—to ensure these sites remain blocked,” he warned. He also cautioned that any club continuing to promote unlicensed operators could face prosecution.

The Commission reminded consumers that TGP-operated sites are no longer licensed, meaning users would no longer have protection against fraud or gambling-related harm. Football clubs have been told to review their sponsorship arrangements and ensure financial transparency. Pierce added, “It is essential that football clubs play their part in protecting fans and GB consumers who may be exposed to advertising of these sites.”

The regulator also raised concerns over geo-blocking, noting that virtual private networks (VPNs) may allow users to bypass restrictions.

“All licensed operators with similar arrangements to TGP should take notice of the action taken in this case,” Pierce said, urging companies to reevaluate their risk controls and affiliate practices.

The post TGP Europe Hit with £3.3 Million Fine Over AML Failures, Exits UK Market appeared first on iGaming.org.