The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licences of BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd, citing concerns over potential violations of social responsibility protocols and anti-money laundering (AML) measures. These suspensions took effect on August 28, 2026, following the commencement of formal licence reviews as outlined in section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.
The reviews were initiated due to preliminary findings that indicated potential regulatory weaknesses at both operators. BresBet, which operates the bresbet.com platform, and Bet St George, known for betstgeorge.com, now face scrutiny from regulators.
According to the Commission, the suspensions will remain until both companies satisfactorily address and rectify the compliance issues identified. During this period, both operators must ensure they treat customers fairly and keep them informed about any changes impacting their accounts. Customers can still access their accounts, withdraw funds, and reach the companies through their respective sites.
BresBet has been operating in the UK since 2021, while Bet St George launched earlier this year. Both companies share a director, Nic Brereton. In an interview with iGB in March, Brereton acknowledged the difficulties in the UK market due to impending tax increases, but he saw opportunities for brands that offer competitive pricing.
Bet St George’s licence is suspended just six months after its UK debut. Though they are listed as separate entities, they share office spaces and management layers. Sarah Laycock, who had served as managing director of BresBet since 2025, resigned earlier this month from both companies, coinciding with Brereton’s earlier departure from BresBet in 2021 and subsequent reappointment in 2023.
The Gambling Commission highlighted ongoing problems with money laundering practices in its recent report, noting inadequate policies and training for personnel across the sector. The report identified poorly set AML thresholds and insufficient monitoring of linked accounts as serious issues.
This is not an isolated case; just weeks ago, QuinnBet was fined £609,104 ($830,501) for similar AML failures. Some industry insiders have criticized the Commission for opting to issue fines rather than enforce more stringent measures, such as licence suspensions. Terry White, a proponent of safer gambling and former betting shop manager, remarked on the ineffectiveness of financial penalties, saying that companies often view fines as merely part of the cost of doing business. He argued that suspending trading would have a more meaningful impact on compliance and ultimately deter future violations.
