The UK Gambling Commission has launched a review of FSB Technology’s gambling license.
Last week, the UK regulatory body announced that it was reviewing the gambling technology service provider over questions regarding its involvement with white-label casino Blackbet. The Commission revealed in a statement that it launched a review “under s116 of the Gambling Act into FSB Technolgy (UK) Limited.”
According to reports, Section 116 of the Gambling Act allows the Commission to launch a review of a license or licensee if it discovers that the operator is offering services not covered under its license, if a license has acquired a “conviction” after being issued a license or if the Commission believes the license holder is “unsuitable” to continue offering gambling services.
Blackbet, which launched back in 2017 with a teaser campaign saying it offers “ethnic sports betting”, has suspended all operations on its website temporarily. Users who load up the Blackbet website are greeted with a message saying: “For regulatory purposes, we have had to take the decision to suspend all gambling activities on this site for the foreseeable future.”
In its statement, Blackbet apologised before explaining that withdrawals are still possible to request and that any unsettled wagers will remain active until Tuesday, August 27, after which they become void and are returned to players.
The news comes after reports revealed that a second FSB Technology white-label website, QuinnBet, faces suspension. According to reports, the online betting and casino site may be forced to end its UK operations over source of funding concerns.
Meanwhile, another FSB Technology website, 1xBet, shut down its UK operations last week after a Sunday Times investigation discovered that the online casino allowed betting on cockfights, advertised on illegal websites and ran a “pornhub casino” featuring topless croupiers.
The UK Gambling Commission has said it is investigating 1xBet’s UK operations though it hasn’t yet commented on any findings.
1xBet, meanwhile, responded to the allegations of irresponsible behaviour in a statement, blaming third-party networks. The firm then revealed that it’s working with the Gambling Commission to address the issues and secure a gambling license to operate in the UK once again.
A spokesperson for the operator said: “We take very seriously the allegation that 1xBet’s brand has been promoted on prohibited sites. We have launched an immediate internal investigation to ensure we improve our monitoring in this regard.
“Further, we have retained the services of an additional team including the UK’s leading specialist gaming and gambling consultants to advise us on all matters relating to this market. We are an established, international gaming company, which advised by all the relevant laws and regulation in every jurisdiction in which we operate.”
They added: “We are fully committed to creating an environment that protects people from irresponsible gambling and addiction. We wish to reassure you that our application for a full UK operating license is on track and we are fully committed to the UK market.”
