Summer Enforcement Activity Keeps Heat on Unlawful Operators

^{A recent spate of enforcement action has seen the UKGC suspend BresBet and other operators. (Image: BresBet)}

By Daniel Smyth

A series of enforcement efforts in recent weeks has frozen more than £10 million in assets and reaffirmed the UK’s position as a leader in gambling integrity.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and auxiliary authorities exercised their powers in August as part of their ongoing efforts to tackle illegal activities. 

In addition to an incident involving high-profile footballers, including Kylian Mbappé, two sites have had their licenses suspended. 

South Yorkshire Busts Conclude Successful Summer 

The most recent regulatory crackdown came on August 28. Following an initial investigation, the UKGC suspended the licenses of BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd

The suspensions stem from suspected “social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings”.

Both sites have been shuttered pending the outcome of a review, but existing customers can access their accounts to withdraw funds. What makes the suspension noteworthy is the location of BresBet and Bet St George. 

Both companies are based in Sheffield, a city where the local police force recently targeted venues suspected of running illegal gambling operations. 

Run in collaboration with the UKGC, Operation Duxford and Operation Snaresbrook seized assets, including cash and gold, at venues across Sheffield and Doncaster. 

Although unconnected, the actions are another example of authorities working in unison to tackle illegal gambling activities in the UK.  

More Heat for Illegal Operators in August

August also saw the continuation of a long-running saga involving Sorare.com. 

According to an exclusive report by The Sun newspaper, the National Crime Agency (NCA) froze over £10 million held in a Premier League bank account, linked to a sponsorship payment from crypto firm Sorare.

Although the action took place in January 2025, The Sun only made it public this week. 

A team of high-profile footballers have been caught up in the Sorare case, including Kylian Mbappé and Rio Ferdinand, although none have been accused of wrongdoing.

Compare top UKGC-licensed online casinos
 

A spokesperson for Sorare has responded to The Sun’s article, stating that the company isn’t the subject of an NCA investigation. They said the freezing order concerns funds held in an account which does not belong to Sorare.

This isn’t the first time Sorare has been accused of wrongdoing. The UKGC charged the crypto fantasy football operator with providing “unlicensed gambling facilities” in September 2024. The case remains open pending a court hearing scheduled for June 7, 2027. 

Coordination Is Keeping Brits Safe

Alongside efforts to stop illegal gambling activities, local councils are working to ensure operators follow social responsibility policies.

Following a pledge from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to abolish the “aim to permit” rule, local councils will soon have more power to limit the presence of betting shops. 

Ahead of these changes, Barking and Dagenham Council launched a public consultation on the London borough’s 42 licensed betting shops, gaming centres and bingo halls. 

Although it only received 14 responses, a council statement said there’s a “significant level of concern about the number of betting shops within the borough”.

Cross-authority coordination is, perhaps, the UK’s best asset when it comes to enforcement. Although no system is ever perfect, UK authorities continue to make gambling as safe as possible for consumers.