UKGC suspends Targetlocal remote licence over AML controls
Enforcement & compliance1 min read
The UK Gambling Commission suspended Targetlocal’s combined remote operating licence with immediate effect after identifying alleged deficiencies in its anti-money-laundering controls. The review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 covers online casino, real-event betting and virtual-event betting, while customers can still access accounts and withdraw available funds.
The UKGC has suspended Targetlocal Ltd’s combined remote operating licence after its investigations identified deficiencies in anti-money-laundering controls. The suspension took immediate effect and will remain in place until the regulator considers the company compliant with regulatory requirements.
Targetlocal operates online as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting. The suspended licence covers remote casino games and betting on real and virtual events.
The UKGC is reviewing the licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. The provision allows it to investigate compliance with licence conditions and whether an operator remains suitable to hold a licence. The regulator has not announced a final outcome or detailed the deficiencies it identified.
Customers can still access existing accounts and withdraw available balances. During the suspension, Targetlocal must treat customers fairly and keep them fully informed of developments affecting their accounts or funds. The company may continue communicating with consumers through its website.
Targetlocal’s general betting premises licence is not suspended. Its authorised premises activities can continue subject to existing regulatory obligations while its online operation is suspended during the review.