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The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of VGC Leeds Limited as it carries out a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

The review and consequent suspension follow concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities.

During a recent Compliance Assessment, VGC Leeds Limited are reasonably believed to have failed to maintain and implement effective anti-money laundering policies, procedures and controls, as required under the conditions of their licence.

In addition, serious concerns were identified regarding the adequacy of decision-making processes and the Licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of its governance and risk management arrangements.

These failings are considered significant and represent a serious threat to the licensing objectives, in particular keeping crime out of gambling.

“We have made it clear to the operator that during the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them,” UKGC said.

The suspension takes place immediately.

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Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has officially blacklisted Polymarket, a prominent prediction market that allows users to bet on future events, citing its operation as an unlicensed gambling platform. The decision comes amid heightened concerns over crypto-based betting during recent election cycles, where Polymarket reportedly saw trading volumes surpassing $600 million.

ONJN asserts that Polymarket’s “counterpart betting” model – where users wager against each other on future outcomes – falls squarely within the scope of Romanian gambling regulations. The regulator clarified that regardless of whether bets are placed using fiat currency or cryptocurrencies, they are legal gambling activities that require appropriate licensing. ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare emphasised that the issue is about compliance with the law, not technology, stating, “It’s about the law, not the platform’s blockchain foundation.”

Although Polymarket promotes itself as an “event trading” platform, ONJN concluded that its operational structure – where users place bets on the outcomes of unpredictable events and the platform earns commissions – meets the legal criteria of gambling. Consequently, Romanian internet providers are now mandated to block access to the platform.

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The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is publishing the findings of a thematic review examining betting activity on Maltese football competitions

Announced in the Regulatory Oversight Supervisory Engagement Efforts for 2025, the review analyses data submitted by B2C Type 2 licensees covering the 2023–2024 football season. It explores wagering trends, player demographics and the integrity measures in place across the market.

Findings show that betting on Maltese football remains moderate in size, with most activity centred on mainstream markets such as match winner and total goals. Participation by Maltese bettors is limited and primarily involves young men living in urban areas. Maltese football also attracts a modest level of international betting interest, though volumes remain small compared to larger competitions.

The review highlights that licensees have implemented integrity safeguards, including the monitoring of suspicious activity and collaboration with the Authority and sports governing bodies. These measures reflect the sector’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent betting environment.

The Authority remains dedicated to working closely with licensees and stakeholders to enhance cooperation, reinforce integrity measures and uphold trust in Maltese sport and the wider betting landscape.

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