UKGC Admits Error Over Coral Licence Data

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A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure has clarified the historical licence holder for the major UK betting brand Coral, with the Gambling Commission (UKGC) admitting a previous omission was due to an "administrative error."

The response, published following a request on 28 March 2024, confirms that Coral Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited was the entity licensed to operate Coral.co.uk in the UK between May 2017 and late 2019.

Context: Why Licence Holders Matter

For consumers, knowing the precise legal entity behind a gambling website is crucial for accountability and dispute resolution. The licensed operator is the company legally responsible for honouring bets, protecting customer funds, and adhering to regulatory standards. Changes in corporate structure, which are common in the gambling industry, can sometimes create confusion about which entity was responsible during a specific period.

This FOI request sought to clarify the operating company for Coral prior to its current licence holder, LC International Limited, taking over.

Details of the Disclosure

The UKGC's response provided the following key details:

• Previous Omission: The Commission apologised that Coral Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited was not referenced in a previous response, citing an "administrative error."
• Historical Operator: It confirmed that Coral Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited held a remote gambling licence and used the trading name "Coral" during the period in question.
• Licence Surrender: This licence was officially surrendered on 21 October 2019.
• Consolidation: Following the surrender, all remote gambling activities for the brand were moved under the licence of LC International Limited (account number 54743), which now operates Coral and several other major brands.

Significance for Consumers and the Industry

This disclosure underscores the importance of transparency in the UK's regulated gambling market. While the change in operator was part of a wider corporate restructuring within the Entain group (formerly GVC Holdings), the initial error in reporting highlights how complex corporate histories can be.

For consumers who may have had disputes or queries relating to their Coral account between 2017 and October 2019, this information confirms that Coral Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited was the legally accountable entity.

The case also demonstrates the value of the Freedom of Information Act as a tool for consumers and researchers to ensure regulatory bodies provide complete and accurate data. It serves as a reminder for players to be aware that the company they are betting with today may not be the same legal entity that operated the brand in the past.