TGP Europe Leaves UK Gambling Market After £3.3M Fine
TGP Europe has exited the British gambling market after the UK Gambling Commission imposed a £3.3 million penalty and demanded major compliance improvements. The firm, which operated white label sites for several football club sponsors, surrendered its licence following regulatory action for repeated anti-money laundering failures and insufficient due diligence.
Regulatory Failures Prompt Licence Surrender
The Gambling Commission found that TGP Europe failed to conduct adequate due diligence on third-party partners, assess money laundering risks, or verify sources of funds. The company also did not act on illegal activity linked to its white label operations, whether in Great Britain or abroad. Its AML policy was found to be ineffective, particularly in applying enhanced due diligence procedures.
This is not the first time TGP Europe faced penalties. In 2023, the operator was fined £316,250 for similar compliance shortcomings involving its business-to-business relationships and white label agreements.
Impact on Football Sponsorships
TGP’s departure means multiple Premier League and Championship clubs — including AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley — are now affiliated with unlicensed gambling businesses through sponsorship deals.
The Gambling Commission has issued letters to these clubs, requesting evidence that they have conducted sufficient due diligence on their partners and implemented effective geo-blocking to prevent UK consumers from accessing the now-unlicensed sites.
Clubs must also demonstrate that these measures cannot be bypassed using tools like VPNs. The Commission warned that club officials could face prosecution if the sites remain accessible to consumers in Great Britain.
Commission Response and Ongoing Checks
John Pierce, Head of Enforcement at the Commission, stated:
“This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet the regulatory standards we expect from our licensees. It is right that they have now exited the British market.”
He added that the Commission will perform ongoing and unannounced spot checks to verify that access to these sites is effectively blocked for British consumers.
“It is essential that football clubs play their part in protecting fans and GB consumers who may be exposed to advertising of these sites through their sponsorship arrangements from harm or exploitation.”
Consumer Advice and Industry Implications
Consumers are advised to check the Gambling Commission’s register to confirm whether a gambling site is licensed. The Commission stressed that all licensed operators with similar white label arrangements should take notice of the enforcement action taken in this case.
Customers affected by TGP’s exit are expected to receive instructions via operator websites on how to retrieve any remaining funds.