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GC Suspends BresBet and Bet St George Licences Six Months After UK Market Entry

By jili tutorial · September 2, 2026

GC Suspends BresBet and Bet St George Licences Six Months After UK Market Entry

Overview of Licence Suspensions

The Gambling Commission (GC) has suspended the operating licences of two online betting operators, BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd, citing suspected failures in social responsibility protocols and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. The suspensions took immediate effect on 28 August 2026, following the Commission’s formal licence reviews under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

These reviews were triggered by initial enquiries that flagged potential regulatory shortcomings at both brands. BresBet operates the bresbet.com platform, while Bet St George runs betstgeorge.com.

What the Suspension Means for Customers

According to a statement from the Commission, the suspensions will remain in place until the operators address and rectify the identified compliance issues to the regulator’s satisfaction. Both companies have been instructed to continue treating customers fairly during the suspension period and to keep consumers informed about any developments affecting them.

Importantly, customers will retain access to their accounts, including the ability to withdraw funds. The websites remain contactable through their respective platforms.

Company Background and Leadership

BresBet: An Established Operator

BresBet has operated in the UK since 2021. Until recently, Nic Brereton served as director for both brands, though the companies are listed as separate private entities.

Bet St George: A Short-Lived UK Launch

Bet St George first entered the UK market earlier this year. Its licence suspension comes just six months after its launch. Speaking to iGB in March, Brereton acknowledged the challenging outlook for the UK sector amid incoming tax hikes but also highlighted opportunities for a fresh approach.

“It’s a challenging time for bookmakers in terms of launching, but we still feel that if you’ve got the right brand, the right cost of service, you’re willing to try and take a bet, there are still opportunities to have a successful business,” Brereton said.

Shared Offices and Director Changes

Although listed as separate private companies, both brands share an office block and, until recently, a director. Sarah Laycock, who had been managing director for BresBet since 2025, resigned earlier this month. Laycock also resigned from Bet St George on the same day. Brereton resigned from BresBet in 2021 but was reappointed in 2023.

Ongoing AML Failings in the Industry

Last month, the GC published its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing report, revealing that operator-side failings remain a major contributor to ML/TF risk. Across multiple subsectors, the Commission noted deficient AML/CTF policies and controls, as well as poorly trained personnel. The report also highlighted inadequate or improperly set AML thresholds and weak monitoring of linked or duplicate accounts.

Just two weeks ago, QuinnBet was ordered to pay £609,104 ($830,501) due to AML failings.

Industry Criticism of Regulatory Approach

Industry figures have been critical of the Commission’s tendency to impose fines or regulatory settlements following compliance failures. Speaking to iGB recently, Terry White, a safer gambling advocate and former betting shop manager, criticised the GC for only fining companies rather than suspending those breaching AML policies.

“When a betting shop or organisation is told that they can’t trade in the UK or globally, for let’s say a month, that’ll hurt them, and they’ll never do it again,” White said. “But they’ll pay [a fine] all day long. They’re not bothered. It’s the price of doing business.”

He added: “They get fined astronomical amounts of money again, but their licence does not get revoked or suspended. The companies don’t care. They make more than that in what they actually do.”

About the Author
Kathryn Evans covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.