The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Stake.uk.com, the UK subsidiary of the global betting brand Stake, will cease operations next month. This decision follows regulatory scrutiny and an investigation into a widely circulated video featuring the Stake logo alongside an adult actress outside Nottingham Trent University.
TGP Europe Limited (TGP), the Isle of Man-based company that operates Stake.uk.com under a white-label agreement, has confirmed the shutdown. Effective immediately, the platform will stop accepting new registrations, and all redirection links from Stakes main website will be removed. The final shutdown is scheduled for 11 March 2025.
“Stake has made a strategic decision in mutual agreement with TGP Europe to exit white-label agreements and focus on securing local licenses through our in-house platform and operations, building upon our growth in key regulated markets such as our recent expansions into Italy and Brazil,” a Stake spokesperson told SiGMA News.
Regulatory actions and past violations
TGP Europe has been subject to prior enforcement actions. In April 2023, it was (AML) and social responsibility failures. The latest has intensified regulatory pressure, prompting Stakes departure from the UK market.
When an operator leaves the British gambling market, we expect an orderly closure, ensuring consumers receive clear instructions on retrieving their funds, the UKGC stated. Customers with funds in their accounts are advised to reach out to the operator via its website for further assistance.
Football sponsorship and legal risks for clubs
Stake is currently the front-of-shirt sponsor for Premier League club Everton. The UKGC has also warned Everton and two other clubs with unlicensed gambling sponsors about the risks associated with promoting offshore betting platforms. The Commission has demanded assurance that these clubs have conducted due diligence on their sponsors and that UK-based consumers cannot access the unlicensed sites.
In addition, clubs must prove the effectiveness of geo-blocking measures to prevent UK users from accessing these sites. The Commission highlighted that certain tools, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), can bypass geo-restrictions, necessitating stricter enforcement.
Club officers who fail to comply with these regulations could face prosecution, with penalties including fines or imprisonment. The UKGC has emphasised its commitment to cracking down on unlawful gambling promotion within professional sports.
Stakes global expansion despite UK exit
Despite its UK withdrawal, Stake continues to expand in regulated markets. The company recently obtained full authorisation to operate in Brazil, aligning with its broader Latin American strategy, which includes ventures in Colombia and Peru. Additionally, Stake has entered the European market by acquiring Italian betting operator Baldo Line and its Idealbet.it brand, alongside an expansion into Denmark through the acquisition of Mocino바카라.
