UK Betting Sites That Closed or Had Their Licences Suspended in 2026

What happened to BresBet, Bet St George, NRG Bet and other bookmakers? How can customers recover their money, and where should they complain?

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Several UK betting sites have closed or faced regulatory action in 2026. Some stopped trading voluntarily, while others had their operating licences suspended by the Gambling Commission.

Among the most notable cases are BresBet and Bet St George, which surrendered their licences in September after being suspended over suspected regulatory failings. NRG Bet and Gentleman Jim also closed their online operations earlier in the year.

For customers, the biggest concern is what happens to money left in their betting accounts. Can they still withdraw their balance? What happens to unsettled bets? And who can help if a bookmaker stops responding?

We have checked the Gambling Commission's public register and official announcements to explain what happened to each operator and what affected customers can do next.

Which UK betting sites closed or had their licences suspended in 2026?

The following table covers confirmed closures, licence surrenders and suspensions involving UK gambling operators during 2026.

These operators did not all close for the same reasons. Importantly, a licence suspension does not automatically mean a bookmaker has gone bankrupt, and a voluntary surrender does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing.

The circumstances of each case are explained below.

1. BresBet – Licence suspended and surrendered in September 2026

Website: bresbet.com
Operator: BresBet Ltd
Licence number: 065252-R-340096-002
Current status: Surrendered

BresBet was one of the more recognisable smaller bookmakers in the UK, particularly among horse racing enthusiasts.

However, on 28 August 2026, the Gambling Commission announced the immediate suspension of its operating licence.

The regulator said its enquiries had identified suspected failings involving anti-money laundering procedures and social responsibility requirements.

These concerns led to a licence review under Section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Initially, BresBet was prevented from offering gambling services while the investigation continued. However, customers were still permitted to access their accounts and withdraw their money.

Just one week later, the situation changed.

On 4 September 2026, BresBet surrendered its operating licence, effectively ending its licensed gambling operations in Great Britain.

What happened to BresBet customers' money?

This has become one of the most concerning aspects of the closure.

On 30 September 2026, the Gambling Commission published an update acknowledging that some BresBet customers were experiencing difficulties withdrawing their funds.

The regulator confirmed that it was aware of the problem and would provide further information when available. As of 15 October, no later update appeared on its published announcement. Gambling Commission

Customers who still have money in their BresBet accounts should contact the operator using the details provided in previous account correspondence.

They should also keep evidence of their balances, withdrawal requests and any outstanding bets.

If the company does not respond or refuses payment, customers should follow the complaints procedure explained later in this article.

Latest position: BresBet's operating licence remains surrendered, and the regulator has publicly acknowledged withdrawal difficulties affecting some customers.

2. Bet St George – Suspended alongside BresBet

Website: betstgeorge.com
Operator: Bet St George Ltd
Licence number: 067818-R-341699-001
Current status: Surrendered

Bet St George was another bookmaker affected by the Gambling Commission's announcement on 28 August 2026. 

The company was relatively new to the UK market, having launched its betting platform earlier in 2026.

Despite its short operating history, Bet St George became the subject of regulatory enquiries alongside BresBet.

Both companies were linked through individuals involved in their management and ownership.

The Gambling Commission identified suspected shortcomings concerning social responsibility and anti-money laundering controls.

Like BresBet, Bet St George initially had its licence suspended while the regulator reviewed its operations.

However, on 4 September, the company surrendered its licence rather than continuing to operate under the suspension.

The official register confirms that Bet St George's remote betting, casino and bingo permissions all ended on that date. Gambling Commission

What should Bet St George customers do?

Anyone who previously held an account should check whether they have outstanding balances, winnings or unsettled bets.

Customers should contact Bet St George through its existing support channels and request written confirmation of how their funds will be returned.

The Gambling Commission has made it clear that operators leaving the British market are expected to treat customers fairly and take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessary financial harm.

Although Bet St George was suspended at the same time as BresBet, the regulator's specific warning about withdrawal difficulties concerned BresBet customers. It should not automatically be assumed that both companies experienced identical payment problems.

Latest position: Bet St George no longer holds the operating licence previously used to provide online betting services in Great Britain.

3. NRG Bet – Closed in May 2026

Website: nrg.bet
Operator: Sharedbet Limited
UKGC account number: 63635
Current status: Closed; licence surrendered

NRG Bet was another smaller bookmaker to leave the UK market in 2026.

The operator offered sports betting and online casino games but announced plans to close its gambling operations in April.

The site stopped accepting new customers on 21 April 2026, ahead of its planned closure.

According to the Gambling Commission's public register, Sharedbet Limited surrendered its remote betting, casino and bingo licences on 20 May 2026.

The former NRG website also displays a closure notice.

Unlike BresBet and Bet St George, the register records NRG's licence as surrendered rather than revoked or suspended following regulatory action. Gambling Commission

Can former NRG Bet customers still claim their money?

Customers with outstanding balances should contact Sharedbet Limited through the support details supplied when their accounts were active.

They should request confirmation of any funds owed and ask how unsettled bets have been handled.

If the company fails to provide a satisfactory response, customers may be able to escalate qualifying disputes through an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution provider.

The closure also illustrates an important distinction: a bookmaker stopping trading does not automatically establish that the business is formally insolvent.

Customers should verify the company's legal status before assuming they must pursue an insolvency claim.

4. Gentleman Jim – Online betting operations closed in May 2026

Website: gentlemanjim.bet
Operator: Lovell Brothers Limited
UKGC account number: 60213
Current status: Online operations closed

Gentleman Jim was another bookmaker that closed its online platform during 2026.

The operator confirmed that its online gambling service closed on 13 May 2026.

According to its official closure announcement, outstanding bets placed before the closure would be honoured, including bets settling after the website stopped accepting wagers.

The company also explained that remaining account balances would be returned to customers through their registered payment methods wherever possible.

The Gambling Commission's register confirms that Lovell Brothers Limited surrendered its remote gambling permissions on 14 May 2026.

However, its non-remote betting licence remains active.

This means the closure specifically concerned its online operations rather than every activity conducted by the company. Gambling Commission

What should former Gentleman Jim customers do?

Anyone waiting for payment should contact the operator and provide their former account details.

It is particularly important for customers with long-term or ante-post bets to check whether those wagers have settled.

The bookmaker's closure announcement stated that bets placed before 13 May would be honoured, with winnings paid through registered payment methods where possible.

Customers who believe they are still owed money should use the support details provided on the former website.

5. Ken Howell's Sports Betting – Suspension lifted in October 2026

Website: kenhowells.com
Operator: Targetlocal Limited
Licence number: 000422-R-336567-002
Current status: Active

Not every licence suspension ends with a bookmaker closing.

Ken Howell's Sports Betting provides an example.

On 21 September 2026, the Gambling Commission suspended the remote gambling licence held by Targetlocal Limited.

The suspension followed regulatory enquiries which identified anti-money laundering failings.

The operator was prevented from conducting gambling activities under its remote licence while the Commission conducted its review.

However, the suspension did not affect the company's separate non-remote general betting licence.

During the suspension, the regulator made clear that customers could still access their accounts and withdraw funds.

Is Ken Howell's Sports Betting still suspended?

No.

On 13 October 2026, the Gambling Commission confirmed that Targetlocal Limited's suspension had been lifted following significant action taken by the operator.

The public register now shows its relevant betting and casino licences as active. Gambling Commission

This case highlights why customers should check the latest licence information before deciding whether a bookmaker is still authorised to operate.

A suspension can be temporary, and companies may be permitted to resume operations once the regulator is satisfied that sufficient corrective action has been taken.

6. Betsson UK and Rizk – UK licence surrendered in June 2026

Former UK websites: betsson.co.uk and rizk.com
Licence holder: Zecure Gaming Limited
UKGC account number: 56427
Current UK licence status: Surrendered

Another notable departure from the British gambling market involved Zecure Gaming Limited, which held a remote casino licence associated with Betsson UK and Rizk.

The company's Gambling Commission licence was surrendered on 22 June 2026.

The regulator's public register also lists betsson.co.uk and rizk.com as inactive domains under the former licence.

This was a departure from the British regulated market under that licence, rather than evidence that the wider international Betsson business had closed.

The register does not identify a regulatory suspension as the reason for the surrender. Gambling Commission

Former UK customers who believe they have outstanding balances should contact the company responsible for their account.

They should not assume that a Betsson-branded website operating in another country is responsible for resolving claims against the former UK licence holder.

What happens to your money when a betting site closes?

When a bookmaker closes, one of the first questions customers ask is whether their money is safe.

The answer depends on the circumstances of the closure and the operator's arrangements for protecting customer funds.

The Gambling Commission expects businesses leaving the market to communicate clearly with customers, explain how balances will be returned and provide arrangements for settling outstanding bets.

Operators should also maintain a way for former customers to contact them after their gambling websites close.

However, there is an important distinction between a bookmaker voluntarily closing and a company becoming insolvent.

Are customer funds guaranteed to be returned?

Not necessarily.

UK-licensed online gambling companies must keep customer funds separate from their ordinary business accounts, but this does not automatically guarantee repayment if the operator becomes insolvent.

The Gambling Commission uses three main customer-fund protection levels:

These protection levels should be disclosed in the bookmaker's terms and conditions.

Since 31 October 2025, operators with a not protected rating have also been required to remind affected customers every six months that their funds would not be protected in the event of insolvency. Gambling Commission

Customers should therefore never assume that an active UK gambling licence means their deposits are fully insured.

What should you do if a betting site closes and owes you money?

If your bookmaker has stopped operating and you cannot withdraw your funds, acting quickly and keeping proper records can make a difference.

Follow these steps:

1. Check your balance. If you can still access your account, record the amount held and any pending withdrawals.
2. Save your betting history. Download or screenshot unsettled bets, transaction records and account statements.
3. Contact the bookmaker. Request repayment of your balance and ask how any outstanding bets will be settled.
4. Submit a formal complaint. Explain how much money you are owed, when you requested payment and what response you received.
5. Keep copies of all correspondence. Save emails, screenshots and any information showing that you attempted to recover your money.
6. Escalate the dispute. If the bookmaker fails to resolve an eligible complaint within eight weeks, or issues a final response earlier, contact its approved ADR provider.
7. Check for insolvency proceedings. If the company has entered liquidation or administration, identify the appointed insolvency practitioner and ask how to register your claim.

Customers can also ask their bank or payment provider whether any payment dispute options are available. However, chargebacks are not guaranteed, and eligibility depends on the circumstances of the transaction.

Where can you complain about a closed or suspended betting site?

There are several organisations that may be able to help, depending on the nature of the problem.

1. The bookmaker's complaints department

Your first step should normally be to contact the gambling operator directly.

All licensed bookmakers are required to provide a complaints procedure.

Explain what happened, provide supporting evidence and make clear what resolution you are seeking.

Operators generally have up to eight weeks to resolve a complaint.

Even when a bookmaker stops trading, the Gambling Commission expects it to maintain arrangements for handling customer enquiries and complaints.

2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

If the operator does not resolve your complaint, you may be able to refer it to an independent ADR provider.

ADR services are free for customers and can consider eligible disputes involving gambling transactions, including disagreements about winnings, payments and bet settlements.

Well-known gambling ADR providers include IBAS and eCOGRA.

However, customers must use the ADR provider appointed by their particular bookmaker. They should not assume that every provider can investigate every operator.

The bookmaker should identify its ADR provider in its complaints information or final response.

You can find more information through the Gambling Commission's ADR guidance.

An ADR provider may also be unable to secure payment if the company has become insolvent and lacks sufficient assets. Gambling Commission

3. The UK Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating licensed gambling companies in Great Britain.

It can investigate suspected breaches of licensing conditions and take enforcement action against operators.

Customers can report issues involving unpaid withdrawals, suspected regulatory breaches, unfair treatment or potentially illegal gambling activity.

However, the Gambling Commission cannot order an individual bookmaker to refund a customer's money through its complaints service.

It is a regulator, not a gambling ombudsman.

Nevertheless, information provided by customers can help identify wider problems.

This is particularly relevant when several customers report similar difficulties with the same operator.

You can use the regulator's complaints and contact service. Gambling Commission

4. The Insolvency Service

If a bookmaker has formally entered insolvency proceedings, customers may need to register as creditors.

This involves identifying the company legally responsible for their account and contacting the appointed liquidator or administrator.

Customers should provide evidence showing the amount owed.

However, submitting a claim does not guarantee repayment.

The amount recovered will depend on the company's available assets, the nature of the claim and the priority given to different creditors.

More information is available through the UK government's guidance on recovering money from insolvent companies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw money from a suspended betting site?

A licence suspension does not automatically prevent an operator from processing withdrawals.

For example, when BresBet, Bet St George and Ken Howell's Sports Betting were suspended in 2026, the Gambling Commission explicitly stated that customers could continue accessing their accounts and withdrawing funds.

However, the practical availability of withdrawals can differ between operators.

What happens to my bets if a bookmaker closes?

Bookmakers are expected to establish a clear policy for unsettled bets.

The Gambling Commission expects operators to honour outstanding bets wherever possible.

If an operator decides to void certain bets, it should explain the decision clearly and apply the relevant policy consistently.

Customers should retain copies of all open and ante-post bets until the matter is resolved.

Does surrendering a UK gambling licence mean a bookmaker has gone bankrupt?

No.

A surrendered licence means that the company has voluntarily given up the relevant gambling authorisation.

An operator might surrender its licence because it is leaving the British market, reorganising its business or closing its gambling operations.

Bankruptcy, liquidation and administration are separate legal matters.

Can a betting site reopen after its licence has been suspended?

Yes.

Ken Howell's Sports Betting provides a recent example.

Its remote licence was suspended on 21 September 2026, but the suspension was lifted on 13 October following corrective action.

However, an operator that has surrendered its licence cannot simply resume the previously licensed activities without obtaining the necessary authorisation.

How can I check whether a bookmaker is still licensed?

The Gambling Commission's public register allows customers to search by operator name, trading name, website address or licence number.

It provides details about the legal company responsible for a gambling business and the status of its authorisations.

Customers should check the licence holder, rather than relying solely on a logo or licence number displayed on a bookmaker's website.