UKGC Refuses to Disclose TGP Europe PEP Data
Regulator cites law enforcement exemption in response to query on operator's political connections.
The UK Gambling Commission has refused a Freedom of Information request asking for the number of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) linked to operator TGP Europe and its white labels, including 8XBet and 6686. The regulator cited a law enforcement exemption, stating that confirming or denying it held the data could prejudice its regulatory work.
Article Content
UKGC Cites Law Enforcement Exemption to Withhold Information
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has refused to confirm or deny whether it holds information on the number of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) connected to the gambling operator TGP Europe and its white label partners.
In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated 17 November 2023, the Commission was asked for the number of PEPs identified during due diligence for TGP Europe, as well as its white label brands 8XBet and 6686. The request specified that it sought only numerical data, not the identities of any individuals.
However, the UKGC declined the request, citing Section 31(3) of the Freedom of Information Act, an exemption related to law enforcement. The regulator argued that confirming or denying the existence of such information could prejudice its regulatory functions.
What Was Requested and Why It Matters
A Politically Exposed Person is an individual who holds a prominent public function, which can present a higher risk for potential involvement in bribery and corruption. Gambling operators are required to conduct enhanced due diligence on PEPs to manage risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing.
The FOI request sought to understand the extent of political connections within the TGP Europe network. TGP Europe operates on a 'white label' model, where it provides its gambling licence and platform to other brands. The request specifically named partners 8XBet and 6686.
In its response, the UKGC stated that confirming or denying it held the requested data could:
- Alert individuals to regulatory scrutiny, allowing them to alter behaviour.
- Impact the willingness of stakeholders to share sensitive information with the Commission.
- Prejudice the outcome of any current or future regulatory work.
An internal review requested by the applicant on 27 November 2023 upheld the Commission's original decision. The review concluded that the public interest in protecting the integrity of the UKGC's regulatory work outweighed the public interest in transparency on this specific matter.
Significance for Consumers
This decision highlights the tension between regulatory transparency and enforcement secrecy. While the UKGC maintains that its refusal is necessary to protect consumers and the integrity of its investigations, it leaves the public without information regarding potential high-level political connections at a specific licensed operator.
The Commission did reiterate a key point of consumer interest: responsibility for compliance always rests with the primary licence holder. In its response, the UKGC noted, "it is essential that licence holders conduct appropriate due diligence checks on their prospective white label partners... Responsibility for compliance will always sit with the licence holder."
This means that TGP Europe is fully responsible for the activities of all its white label partners, including ensuring they meet all licence conditions and codes of practice.