A European wagering firm, Bet-at-home, has withdrawn from the UK market after a disagreement with the UK Gambling Commission over its operating permit. The business disclosed on its webpage that it would be halting its UK operations following the Commission’s decision to annul its license.
In July 2022, the Commission took measures against Bet-at-home due to worries about the company’s adherence to the Gambling Act of 2005, specifically in areas such as responsible gambling and measures to combat money laundering.
Although Bet-at-home initially barred new clients and suspended betting and deposits, current customers could still access their accounts and take out funds. However, the company has now verified that it will not challenge the license revocation and will be completely withdrawing from the UK market.
In a notice on its website, Bet-at-home informed patrons that they would no longer be able to place wagers or make deposits, and advised them to withdraw any remaining balances by September 30, 2022.
The online gambling platform experienced a challenging commencement to 2022, as their earnings significantly decreased by more than half in the initial quarter. Their betting activities generated a mere €14 million (equivalent to approximately $15 million USD), representing a substantial drop from the €30 million earned during the corresponding period in the preceding year. Consequently, this resulted in a deficit of €27 million for the quarter, a stark difference compared to the €44 million profit they achieved in the first quarter of 2021.
The firm ascribes these obstacles partially to regulatory barriers encountered in significant markets such as Germany and the Netherlands.