Targetlocal Ltd remote licence suspended over AML failings
The Gambling Commission has suspended the combined remote operating licence of Welsh bookmaker Targetlocal Ltd, which trades as Ken Howells Sports Betting, after enquiries uncovered anti-money laundering failings at the business.
The suspension covers Targetlocal Ltd’s online offering of casino, sports betting and virtual event betting under operating licence number 000422-R-336567-002. It took effect immediately and follows Commission enquiries that revealed the AML shortcomings, though no further detail on the specific failings has been disclosed.
The Gambling Commission has suspended Targetlocal Ltd’s remote licence, which trades as Ken Howells Sports Betting, pending a section 116 review into anti-money laundering failings.
The Gambling Commission confirmed it is now carrying out a review of the licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005, and said the suspension will remain in place until it is satisfied the business is compliant.
“It has been made clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension it is expected to treat consumers fairly and keep them fully informed of any developments which impact them,” the regulator said in a statement.
The suspension does not prevent Targetlocal Ltd from allowing consumers to access their accounts and withdraw funds, and the business can still be contacted through its website. Ken Howells has told customers it is “working to resolve this as a matter of urgency.”
Targetlocal Ltd’s non-remote general betting standard licence is not affected by the suspension, meaning the operator’s physical betting shop presence can continue to trade as normal while the remote review proceeds.
