Online casino Stake.uk.com will no longer be operational in Great Britain from next month after its operator, TGP Europe Limited (TGP), announced the platform’s closure. The decision follows an investigation by the UK Gambling Commission into the site’s branding appearing in a widely shared video featuring an adult actress outside Nottingham Trent University.
TGP, which runs Stake.uk.com under a white-label arrangement, has faced previous enforcement action from the Commission. Following a recent meeting with regulators, the company confirmed it would immediately halt new customer registrations and remove redirection links from Stake’s main international website. The final shutdown of Stake.uk.com is set for 11 March 2025.
Regulatory Pressure on Football Clubs
The development has also raised concerns about unlicensed gambling sponsorships in English football. Stake is currently the front-of-shirt sponsor of Everton Football Club, and the UK Gambling Commission has now written to the club, along with two others that feature gambling sponsors, warning of the legal risks associated with promoting unlicensed operators.
Regulators are demanding assurances from clubs that they have conducted proper due diligence on their white-label partners. They must also demonstrate that geo-blocking censoring measures are in place to prevent UK consumers from accessing unlicensed gambling platforms. However, concerns remain that such restrictions can be bypassed using VPNs.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliant Clubs
The Commission’s warning carries significant legal weight. Club officials could face prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment if found to be promoting gambling companies that accept UK customers without a valid license.
Guidance for Affected Consumers
With Stake.uk.com’s closure imminent, UK players are advised to withdraw any remaining funds from their accounts before the shutdown. Customers with concerns about their balances or account access should contact the operator directly through its website.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny over white-label agreements in the UK gambling industry, reinforcing the Gambling Commission’s stance on consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
