UKGC: No Data on TGP White Label Checks

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A Freedom of Information (FOI) response has revealed the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) does not hold specific data on customer identity checks or demographics for two white label brands operated by TGP Europe.

The request, dated 23 September 2023, sought detailed information regarding the brands 8XBet and 6686. The Commission’s response stated that "no information falling within the scope of your request is held by the Gambling Commission."

The Request: A Closer Look

The FOI request specifically asked for data submitted to the regulator by or on behalf of TGP Europe concerning its white label partners, 8XBet and 6686. The information sought included:

• Any customer demographic information.
• The number of users whose identities had been requested, verified, or rejected.
• The number of users who spent (or attempted to spend) €2000 in a single day, and whose identities had subsequently been requested, verified, or rejected.

These questions target fundamental aspects of an operator's Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. These checks are a core requirement of the UKGC's licence conditions, designed to prevent underage gambling, identity fraud, and financial crime.

What 'Information Not Held' Means

It is important for consumers to understand what this response signifies. The UKGC's statement that it does not hold the information does not necessarily mean that TGP Europe failed to perform these identity checks.

Rather, it indicates that the regulator did not have this specific, granular data on file at the time of the request. Gambling operators are required to have robust systems in place for KYC and AML, but the level of detail they are required to proactively submit to the Commission can vary. The UKGC often relies on a combination of annual reports, thematic reviews, and direct regulatory action to ensure compliance, rather than collecting real-time data on every customer interaction for every operator.

Implications for Consumer Protection

The finding raises questions about the level of detailed oversight the UKGC has on the activities of white label brands. The white label model allows a third-party brand (like 8XBet) to operate using the gambling licence and platform of an established operator (like TGP Europe).

While the licence holder remains fully responsible for all regulatory compliance, the separation between the brand and the licence holder can create complexity. This FOI response suggests a potential gap in the data collected by the regulator at the individual brand level, particularly concerning high-spending customers who pose a greater risk for gambling-related harm and money laundering.

For consumers, this highlights the challenge in assessing the compliance standards of individual white label brands. While TGP Europe holds the UK licence and is the legally responsible entity, the lack of centrally-held data on its partners' verification activities may be a point of concern for those seeking transparency in the sector.