UK Bookmaker Probed Over Potential Illegal Offshore Betting Operation

by Jamie Smith, 13 November 2025

UK regulator, the Gambling Commission (UKGC), is looking into a betting brand over potentially running illegal offshore operations.

A British bookmaker could have its UKGC licence stripped. © Alexander Gresbek / Pixabay

Key Facts:

• The bookmaker has yet to be named by media reports
• The major company takes billions of pounds in annual bets
• Bookmaker inadvertently revealed the potential breach itself
• Documents handed over suggested potential illegal activity

The unnamed UK-based bookmaker inadvertently provided documents that suggest it is directing some of its customers to use offshore sites.

This would potentially be a breach of its licence in the UK, with the Gambling Commission now looking into the matter.

The UKGC has not yet offered any comment on the issue, but it has been reported that the documents provided by the bookmaker were sent as part of the usual checks.

According to The Guardian, early inquiries are now underway between the Gambling Commission and the bookmaker, with a comprehensive investigation potentially set to follow.

The bookmaker is said to have links to a variety of high-profile political figures as well as sporting stars. It also provides some sports sponsorships, though details of these deals have not been revealed at this stage of the process.

How the Breach Was Revealed

Reports suggest that the potential breach of UK licence conditions was uncovered accidentally.

It has been suggested that documents were sent to the UKGC indicating that the betting brand had been transacting with entities based overseas, sources said. Details of such transactions were written in white text on a white background on documents.

However, they have been spotted by staff at the Gambling Commission, which then asked the bookmaker to explain the issue, relating to VIP players being directed offshore.

The bookmaker has engaged a legal team over the matter, with sources suggesting that the brand could be in hot water as the UKGC continues to assess it.

An insider told the Guardian: “If you’re offshoring VIPs, your licence is toast.”

In addition to potentially losing its UKGC licence, the bookmaker may face action from both the police and HM Revenue and Customs if it is found to have attempted to evade tax.

What Happens Next?

With neither the bookmaker or UKGC making any public comment at this stage, progress over the issue is likely to continue in the background for now.

The Gambling Commission has been trying to clamp down over the issue of illegal betting. Recently, the regulator published the final section of its four-part report into illegal online gambling, with UKGC looking into the extent of the problem, which remains largely hidden.

Andrew Rhodes, the chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said in a statement: “Illegal online gambling remains a serious threat to consumers and to the integrity of the regulated market.”

“While measuring the full scale of the problem is complex, our understanding is growing — and so too is our ability to disrupt illegal operators.”

“Our independent research has strengthened the evidence base, improved transparency, and underlined that progress depends on a collective effort across sectors.”

The Gambling Commission added that it will continue its programme of research into illegal gambling activity, as well as its data collection and enforcement activity.