UK Gambling Commission Suspends Spribe’s License Over Hosting Breach

Spribe OÜ has had its UK license suspended after the Gambling Commission found serious non-compliance linked to its hosting operations. The regulator said the breach raised “grounds of suitability” and halted all Spribe activity in the country pending a full review.

Good to Know

• The suspension took immediate effect and covers all UK hosting activity.
• Spribe operated with a gambling software licensebut lacked a separate host license.
• The company has begun applying for the required remote casino game host license.

The Gambling Commission explained that hosting occurs when a supplier stores its games on its own servers, allowing players to access them through an operator’s platform. Companies that provide this type of service must hold both a gambling software license and a remote casino game host license.

Officials said Spribe was offering hosting services without the latter license, violating Section 33 of the Gambling Act 2005. That section makes it a criminal offence to provide gambling facilities in Great Britain without proper authorisation, carrying a maximum penalty of a level 5 fine or up to 51 weeks in prison.

Under the suspension, Spribe must cease all hosting operations in the United Kingdom until it secures the appropriate license. The Gambling Commission also ordered the company to inform affected partners about possible service disruptions as required under its operating conditions.

Spribe acknowledged the issue, describing it as a “technical licensing gap.” In a statement, the company said:

“The issue relates to an oversight in the license application process. In 2020, Spribe applied for and was granted a remote gambling software license. However, it has now been identified that our business model also requires a remote casino game host license. This is a technical licensing gap that was not identified during the original application process in 2020.”

The developer said it is now “working urgently” to address the problem and expects to resume UK operations once the remote casino game host license is granted. It added that the suspension should not impact players’ accounts or withdrawals.

Spribe received its UK gambling software license in December 2020 and has since operated as a recognized supplier in several regulated markets. The company reiterated that it remains committed to transparency and compliance as the Commission continues its investigation under Section 118(2) of the Gambling Act.

In a separate statement, the Gambling Commission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict oversight of licensees. The agency said it “always expects the highest standards of compliance and integrity from licensees” and continues to take firm action against unlicensed or improperly licensed operations.

The review of Spribe’s hosting practices is ongoing. Until the company receives a new hosting license, its UK operations will remain suspended.

FAQ

What triggered Spribe’s license suspension?

The Gambling Commission identified that Spribe was conducting hosting activity without the required remote casino game host licence.

What is the difference between a software license and a host licence?

A gambling software licence covers the creation and distribution of games, while a host licence allows suppliers to run those games on their own servers for operators.

Can players still access their accounts or funds?

Yes. Spribe confirmed that player access and withdrawals remain unaffected by the suspension.

How long will the suspension last?

Operations will stay halted until the Gambling Commission approves Spribe’s new host license.

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