TGP exits UK after Gambling Commission fine
TGP Europe, a white label casino brands operator, is leaving the UK market after being hit with a hefty £3.3m fine from the Gambling Commission (UKGC). The 29 TGP brands to stop offering services to Brits include Duelbits, Leyubet, Fun88, and BJ-88.
The move has big implications for a number of top football clubs with active sponsorship deals with TGP brands. Several clubs have been warned against promoting these brands.
Investigation, fine and warnings
After an investigation into TGP’s operations, the UKGC found widespread failure in a number of areas including:
- Due diligence on third party investors or investment funds
- Adherence to anti-money laundering requirements
- Not “sufficiently consider[ing] any activity by a third-party that is illegal”
Some of these points are suggestive of serious failings and even criminal activity. Consequently, the regulator issued a £3.3 million fine. Rather than pay the fine and look to resolve the issues, TGP opted to withdraw from the British market. Not paying the fine and shutting up shop will have many people drawing their own conclusions.
This is the largest fine issued to TGP, but it isn’t the first. In 2023, the operator was fined £316,250 for breaches related to anti-money laundering requirements.
The Commission also issued warnings to the affected football clubs and is “seeking assurance from the clubs that they have carried out due diligence”.
Who is TGP?
In the UK, TGP is known for operating 29 brands including Duelbits, Fun88, 12bet, Fun88asias, Sportpesa, Oubao and BJ-88.
TGP is based in Douglas, Isle of Man, but its brands originate in Asia. The UKGC has previously investigated TGP’s ownership, but not released details of its findings, despite a Freedom of Information request.
The UKGC’s criticisms seem to allude to shady dealings, especially in the failure to investigate the source of investment funds, and the background of investors.
The football connection
Several of TGP’s brands have sponsorship deals with Premier League clubs. With TGP brands unable to operate in the UK, these clubs must no longer promote them. This will affect the following, whose sponsorship futures are now uncertain:
- AFC Bournemouth, sponsored by BJ88
- Fulham, sponsored by SBOTOP
- Newcastle United, sponsored by Sportsbet.io and FUN88
- Wolverhampton Wanderers, sponsored by DEBET
- Leicester City, sponsored by BCGame
- Hull City, sponsored by Sportsbet.io
- Burnley, sponsored by 96.com
The consequences of TGP leaving the UK will certainly be felt by these clubs, as will the Commission’s assertion that it will hold the clubs responsible if they promote unlicensed operators.
This is not the first case of a licensing issue causing the breakdown of a sponsorship deal. Both Everton and Birmingham City have faced similar issues in the past.
Gambling shirt sponsorship going in 2026
There are currently more Premier League clubs sponsored by gambling companies than ever. Sponsorship deals are significant sources of income in football, and those affected will likely be looking to fill the void.
However, Premier League clubs have collectively agreed to ban gambling ads on the front of team shirts. Rather than a regulator-imposed ban, this is a decision that the Premier League and the clubs have made. However, it won’t apply to other leagues and teams – at this stage. The ban is expected to come into play before the 2026-27 season.
It was once the case that household brands, cars, food and alcohol companies featured prominently on football shirts. It remains to be seen how the gap will be filled.
Wider implications of TGP exit
White label operators work with small teams of individuals, so TGP’s exit is unlikely to cause any mass layoffs within that company.
This shift may even mark the beginning of the end for the boom in sponsorship deals between sports teams and gambling brands. It will certainly cause a drop in revenue for the affected football clubs, but sponsorship deals can be replaced.
Crucially, by treating non-compliant operators strictly, the UKGC makes the British industry a safer place for gamblers, and may perhaps even have a positive impact on problem gambling rates.
Other white label owners will likely be taking note and applying a belt-and-braces approach to their own operations, especially in relation to anti-money laundering practices.
As non-compliant brands exit, we might see a consolidation of the top-tier operators who remain. The regulator will likely be looking out for other international white label operators who appear to be exploiting the British market.
The UKGC will also be aiming to increase its ability to take action against clubs who promote unlicensed brands. As it stands, it can only act if the operator is actually offering services in the UK.
Summary
TGP has withdrawn from the UK market rather than pay a UKGC fine. The operator was found to be in breach of various UK gambling laws, especially relating to money laundering prevention.
This will have an impact on affiliated football clubs. The voluntary removal of gambling branding from shirt fronts in the Premier League will have implications for these clubs too.
TGP’s exit may be a sign of things to come, with the regulator continuing to tighten restrictions for the protection of players. This is a proactive move on the Commission’s part, and likely to be welcomed by many.