The UK Gambling Commission Immediately Suspends the Combined Remote Operating Licence of Targetlocal Ltd

Targetlocal Ltd has had its combined remote operating licence immediately suspended after the UK Gambling Commission reported failures in anti-money laundering controls detected during its regulatory investigations. The action was announced on September 21, 2026, and affects the remote activities covered by operating licence number 000422-R-336567-002, which supports the online business operating under the name Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and the domain kenhowells.com.

Immediate Suspension of the Combined Remote Operating Licence

The suspension applies to the combined remote operating licence which covers online casino, general betting on real events, and betting on virtual events. The UK Gambling Commission has communicated that the suspension "took effect immediately" while the review process continues. The regulator's public record identifies the same licence number for those remote activities and separately maintains the standard non-remote general betting licence of Targetlocal Ltd.

The distinction between remote and non-remote licences is critical in outlining the practical scope of the measure: a remote licence refers to games supplied via the internet or other remote means, while a non-remote licence covers in-person activities. Therefore, the regulator's action focuses on Targetlocal Ltd's online business; the Commission expressly confirmed that the suspension does not affect the company’s standard non-remote general betting licence.

What the UK Gambling Commission Said About the Suspension

"The Gambling Commission has suspended the combined remote operating licence of Targetlocal Ltd which trades as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and runs kenhowells.com. The suspension of Targetlocal Ltd online business offering casino, sports betting and virtual event betting (operating licence no 000422-R-336567-002) follows Commission enquiries which revealed anti-money laundering failings. The Commission is now carrying out a review of the licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 and the suspension will remain in place until the Commission is satisfied the business is compliant. It has been made clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension it is expected to treat consumers fairly and keep them fully informed of any developments which impact them. The suspension, which takes place immediately, does not prevent Targetlocal Ltd from allowing consumers to access their accounts and withdraw funds. The business can be contacted through its website. The suspension does not impact Targetlocal Ltd’s non-remote general betting standard licence."

The wording of the regulator's notice underscores that the measure is linked to a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 and does not represent a final determination on the remote licence. The regulator has indicated that the suspension will remain until it is satisfied that the activity meets regulatory requirements.

Access to Accounts and Withdrawals During the Suspension

The Commission has made it clear that the suspension does not prevent consumers from accessing their accounts or withdrawing funds. The operator must, during the suspension, "treat consumers fairly and keep them fully informed of any developments which impact them." This implies a continuous communicative obligation on the part of Targetlocal Ltd towards its customers while the review is being resolved.

The regulator's notice also specifies that the business may be contacted through its website and that the continuation of access and withdrawal services should not be interpreted as a lack of control by the Commission.

Legal Framework: The Review Under Section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005

Section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 grants the Gambling Commission statutory powers to review operating licences when it has reasons to suspect non-compliance or considers it appropriate to examine how licensed activities are developed and compliance mechanisms. The procedure requires notifying the licence holder and offering them the opportunity to make representations.

Following the review, the legislation provides for several possible measures: warning, modification of licence conditions, suspension, revocation, or financial penalty. The announcement of September 21, 2026, does not disclose which, if any, of these measures may ultimately be imposed on Targetlocal Ltd.

AML Controls in the UK Regulatory Framework

Anti-money laundering controls are an established part of the regulatory framework in Great Britain. The Gambling Commission requires operators to comply with relevant legislation and obligations contained in the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). The regulator expects operators to maintain appropriate controls and procedures, not limited to reviewing individual transactions.

The public statement does not detail the exact nature of the AML deficiencies detected in Targetlocal Ltd, making it impossible to specify which controls or customers were involved. Reporting that specificity would go beyond the information published by the Commission in its notice of September 21.

Corporate Data and Separation Between Company Records and Regulatory Findings

Companies House records show Targetlocal Limited as an active private company incorporated in November 1991, with a registered office in Swansea and declared activities in gambling and betting activities. The records identify Kenneth Grant Howells as a director and secretary of Targetlocal Limited. This corporate information is distinct from regulatory findings and does not alone establish the reasons for the suspension of the remote licence.

What Comes Next: The Process and Expectations

The immediate matter is the continuation of the review under section 116. The Gambling Commission has stated that the remote suspension will remain in effect until it is satisfied with the business's compliance. A final decision has not been published regarding the long-term situation of the remote licence; the outcome will depend on the conclusions of the review and the representations made by Targetlocal Ltd.

For customers, the clearest public guidance is the confirmation that access to accounts and withdrawals can continue during the suspension, and the operator's obligation to keep consumers informed about any developments affecting them. Matters related to payments and fund disposition will remain subject to the business's communications and oversight by the Commission.

Miguel Sandoval, Regulatory Correspondent.