Targetlocal has had its combined remote operating licence suspended after a Gambling Commission investigation identified anti-money laundering (AML) failings at the operator.
Targetlocal trades as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and operates kenhowells.com. The suspended licence covers remote casino, real-event sports betting and virtual event betting.
The regulator said the suspension will remain in place while it conducts a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.
The operator’s non-remote general betting standard licence remains active. The Gambling Commission’s public register lists Targetlocal’s head office in Ammanford, Wales and shows that its non-remote licence has been held since January 2009. Its remote real-event betting permission dates from July 2023, with remote casino and virtual-event permissions added in July 2024.
Customers remain able to access their accounts and withdraw funds during the suspension. Targetlocal has also been instructed to treat consumers fairly and provide information about developments affecting them.
The intervention comes amid continued regulatory attention on AML controls in Britain’s remote gambling sector. The Gambling Commission’s 2026 money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment maintained its “high” overall risk rating for remote casino gambling, citing transaction volumes and challenges associated with verifying customers who are not physically present.
Under the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, AML requirements form part of the conditions operators must meet to retain a licence. The regulator can begin a section 116 review where it identifies potential compliance concerns.
Targetlocal’s suspension also follows other AML-related regulatory action during 2026. In August, QuinnBet (Gibraltar) Limited was ordered to pay £609,104 after an investigation identified AML and social responsibility failures.
Earlier enforcement during the year included regulatory action against Octopus Game Limited over AML and customer interaction controls.
In August, the Gambling Commission also suspended the licences of BresBet and Bet St George after identifying suspected AML and social responsibility failings. Both operators subsequently surrendered their licences on 4 September.
The Gambling Commission’s 2026 risk assessment continues to classify the British remote casino sector as high risk for money laundering
