Leicester City Sponsor BC.Game Closes UK Casino Amid Regulatory Turmoil
According to NEXT.io, Leicester City’s shirt sponsor, BC.Game, has shut down its UK casino operations following a regulatory crisis linked to its Curaçao-licensed crypto casino. The closure comes amid bankruptcy proceedings, licence revocation threats, and questions over the brand’s compliance and future sponsorship deals.
Closure Triggered by Bankruptcy and Licence Issues
As reported by NEXT.io, BC.Game ceased accepting new UK registrations on 14 November 2024, two days after its holding company was declared bankrupt in a Curaçao court. This led the island’s regulator to take the rare step of initiating the revocation of BC.Game’s gaming licence.
The UK-facing site is now offline, displaying a message confirming its unavailability to both new and existing users.
The shutdown coincided with a scheduled meeting between BC.Game representatives and Curaçao regulators to discuss the potential licence revocation. While the outcome remains unclear, NEXT.io sources suggest it is unlikely the operator will retain its licence.
Assurances from BC.Game on Player Funds
In a statement, BC.Game assured customers that all funds have been returned to players via their last deposit methods. The company is reportedly working with any remaining users to resolve outstanding matters.
Despite the financial turmoil, BC.Game stated it remains committed to its international operations.
Impact on Leicester City Sponsorship Deal
BC.Game’s UK operations were managed under a white label licence agreement with TGP Europe. This licensing framework enabled the brand to secure a two-year shirt sponsorship deal with Leicester City FC, announced in the summer.
Earlier last week, Leicester City expressed confidence in BC.Game’s liquidity and ability to fulfill contractual obligations, reaffirming its support for the sponsor.
However, as NEXT.io reports, that statement has since been removed from the football club’s website. The closure of BC.Game’s UK casino now casts doubt on the legality and future of the sponsorship agreement.
New Licensing Pursuits Amid Controversy
NEXT.io has learned that BC.Game is seeking a new licence in Vanuatu, following its regulatory struggles in Curaçao.
This development comes in the wake of a 400-page report by Dr. Luigi Faneyte, a politician and auditor, which scrutinized Curaçao’s gambling reform process. The report alleged inappropriate links between regulatory figures and BC.Game.
In response to the allegations, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board strongly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing the integrity of the island’s regulatory reforms, as reported by NEXT.io.
Source: NEXT.io
