The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licences of BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd following regulatory enquiries into suspected social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings.

The suspensions took effect immediately, with both operators now subject to formal licence reviews under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. The regulator said the measures will remain in place until it is satisfied that the businesses have returned to compliance.

BresBet operates bresbet.com, while Bet St George runs betstgeorge.com. The companies held separate remote operating permissions covering gambling activities including casino and betting products.

The Gambling Commission statement said: “The suspension of BresBet and Bet St George Ltd follows Commission enquiries which revealed suspected social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings.

“The Commission is now carrying out a review of both licences under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 and the suspension will remain in place until the Commission is satisfied the businesses are compliant.”

Customers retain access to their accounts during the suspension and can withdraw available funds. The regulator has also told both companies that they must treat customers fairly and provide updates about developments that affect them.

BresBet has separately confirmed that it has stopped accepting bets while the matter is addressed.

What the Licence Reviews Mean

A suspension does not represent a final determination of wrongdoing. The ongoing reviews will establish whether either company has complied with its licensing obligations and whether it can continue operating under its existing permissions.

BresBet’s operating licence, numbered 065252-R-340096-002, covered remote bingo, casino, real-event betting and virtual-event betting. The business was formed in Sheffield in March 2021 and obtained remote operating permissions in February 2025.

The bookmaker has also had a presence in British horseracing and greyhound racing, including sponsorship of trainer Fergal O’Brien’s stable and other racing events.

Bet St George is a newer operator. The company was incorporated in Sheffield in June 2025 and launched its gambling website in March 2026. Its four remote permissions began in December 2025.

The business offered sports and racing betting alongside virtual events, casino games, live casino content and bingo through a single account. Its licence number is 067818-R-341699-001.

The two companies list offices at the same Hawley Street address in Sheffield, while Companies House records identify Nicholas James Brereton as a director of both businesses.

BresBet’s latest accounts, covering the year to March 2025, recorded 14 average employees and £3.5 million owed to creditors within one year. Bet St George has yet to file accounts.

Customers Can Still Withdraw Funds

Although normal betting activity cannot continue during the suspension, the regulator has confirmed that customers can access their accounts and withdraw funds. Both companies can also be contacted through their websites.

BresBet said on X: “BresBet is currently temporarily unavailable following the suspension of its operating licence by the Gambling Commission. We are currently working through the matter and will provide further updates when appropriate.

“Please note that BresBet is not currently accepting bets. If you have any questions, or wish to make an inquiry about your account or funds, you can contact us at support@bresbet.com. Thank you for your understanding.”

The regulatory action comes amid a series of recent enforcement measures involving licensed gambling businesses.

On August 20, QuinnBet (Gibraltar) Ltd accepted a £609,104 penalty after the regulator identified shortcomings involving money-laundering controls and customer protection. Holland Park Leisure Ltd received a £150,000 fine two days earlier after the regulator found that the adult gaming centre had failed to meet a self-exclusion requirement.

In July, Evolution agreed to pay £4.75 million following a regulatory investigation. Petfre (Gibraltar) Ltd, which operates Betfred, agreed in June to pay £900,000 over regulatory failures.

The regulator has also supported police activity targeting unlicensed gambling operations. Its enforcement responsibilities extend across online and land-based gambling businesses as well as individuals involved in illegal activity.

For BresBet and Bet St George, the immediate issue remains the outcome of the section 116 reviews. Until those proceedings conclude, both businesses remain unable to resume their normal gambling operations under the suspended licences.