The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licenses of BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd, citing failures in social responsibility practices and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. The suspensions took effect on August 28, 2026, as the Commission began formal license reviews under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.
These reviews were triggered by initial inquiries that indicated potential regulatory issues at BresBet, which operates the website bresbet.com, and Bet St George, which runs betstgeorge.com. The Commission stated that the suspensions will remain until the companies resolve the compliance issues to the regulator’s satisfaction.
During the suspension, both operators are required to treat their customers fairly and keep them informed about any changes affecting them. Importantly, customers can still access their accounts and withdraw funds, and both websites remain contactable.
BresBet has been operating in the UK since 2021, while Bet St George launched its services earlier this year. Nic Brereton is the director for both companies. In a statement made to iGB in March, Brereton acknowledged the tough conditions for bookmakers in the UK, particularly with upcoming tax increases, but also saw potential opportunities for innovative approaches in the market.
Bet St George's suspension comes just six months after it began operating. Although BresBet and Bet St George are separate private entities, they share an office and a director until recently. Sarah Laycock, who had been managing director of BresBet since 2025, recently resigned from her post as well as from Bet St George. Brereton has had an on-and-off involvement with BresBet since resigning in 2021 and returning in 2023.
In its report last month, the Gambling Commission outlined that operator-related failings remain a significant factor in money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The report identified shortcomings in AML and CTF policies across several sectors, including poorly trained staff and inadequate monitoring of account thresholds.
Recently, QuinnBet was fined £609,104 ($830,501) for similar AML failures. Those in the industry have criticized the Commission’s methods of addressing compliance failures. Terry White, a safer gambling advocate, expressed concerns over the Commission’s inclination to impose fines rather than suspending licenses, arguing that a temporary trading ban would prevent repeat violations.
By penalizing companies financially rather than implementing more severe actions, White noted that operators often view fines as merely a cost of doing business, suggesting they are not sufficiently deterred from non-compliance.
