TGP Europe Fined, Surrenders UK Gambling License
Key Takeaways
TGP Europe, a gambling operator based on the Isle of Man, has surrendered its licence in the United Kingdom. This decision followed a £3.3 million fine imposed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for breaches of anti-money laundering regulations and insufficient due diligence on business partners. Several Premier League clubs are now under pressure to reconsider their sponsorship agreements with brands that operated under TGP’s white-label system. Some of these brands are suspected of having links to organised crime and human trafficking.
Background: TGP Europe and the White-Label Model
TGP Europe operated under what is known as the white-label model. In this setup, a licensed company runs websites on behalf of other brands. TGP provides the technical infrastructure, payment processing, and content centrally. To the end user, it appears to be an independent provider, but in reality, TGP is behind it.
This model has been widely used by sports betting brands targeting Asian markets to gain visibility through sponsorships in the English Premier League—particularly for the Chinese market, where gambling advertising is banned.
Links to Criminal Networks
According to investigations by football portal Josimar, TGP was originally founded as a subsidiary of Suncity. Suncity was one of the largest junket operators in Macau and was led by Alvin Chau, who in 2023 was sentenced to 18 years in prison for illegal gambling, fraud, and membership in a criminal organisation.
Further investigations by cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveal that a network codenamed “Vigorish Viper” is behind several of these brands. This network is said to provide software, hosting, payment services, and apps for illegal betting operators. The technology is allegedly supplied by the Yabo Group—a former sponsor of Manchester United.
Premier League Clubs Under Pressure
The UKGC has issued written warnings to at least five Premier League clubs—including Newcastle United, Fulham FC, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The clubs have been urged to terminate sponsorships with brands operating under the TGP system. Failure to comply could lead to criminal consequences, including potential prison sentences for club officials.
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One example is Kaiyun Sports, a sponsor of Nottingham Forest. This brand is linked to the Yabo Group, which, according to the Asian Racing Foundation (ARF), operates one of the largest illegal gambling networks in Asia. Reports suggest that Yabo also uses forced labour camps along the Cambodia-Laos border to recruit staff for call centres and gambling websites.
Implications for the Gambling Industry
This case once again highlights the vulnerabilities of the white-label system. Although legally permitted, the model allows operators with questionable backgrounds to enter regulated markets through seemingly legitimate structures. The UKGC has already announced plans to tighten oversight of the system.
For sports clubs, this means sponsorship agreements must undergo more thorough scrutiny. Partnering with unlicensed or dubious operators can not only damage their reputation but also result in legal consequences.
Our Assessment
If you’re interested in online gambling, it’s crucial to carefully examine providers and their licensing. The TGP Europe case underscores the importance of transparency and regulation—not just for players, but also for partners like sports clubs. Make sure to play only with licensed and trustworthy operators. And when observing sponsorships in football: familiar logos may hide problematic structures. Stay critical and well-informed.
Sources
- Josimar
- Infoblox
- Asian Racing Foundation
- UK Gambling Commission
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