Labour Asks Gambling Commission to Probe Reform UK Donor Firms

The Labour party has formally requested that the UK's Gambling Commission launch an investigation into two companies, Tether.bet and Fispay, which are allegedly linked to donors and allies of the Reform UK political party. The request was made in a letter penned by Bridget Phillipson, the chair of the Labour party, to the gambling watchdog. Phillipson's correspondence specifically asks the commission to examine whether these companies have been operating without the necessary licenses to provide or advertise gambling services to consumers within the United Kingdom. The core of the inquiry revolves around potential breaches of gambling regulations, particularly concerning the provision of remote gambling facilities and supporting services.

One of the companies under scrutiny is Tether.bet, described as a Montenegro-based gambling entity. The Labour party is seeking clarity on whether Tether.bet, and its associated operators, have been offering or promoting remote gambling services to individuals in the UK without possessing the requisite license. This aspect of the investigation focuses on the cross-border nature of online gambling and the regulatory requirements for companies targeting UK customers. The second company, Fispay, is a UK-based firm reportedly owned by Mowbray Jackson, who is identified as Reform UK's data protection officer. The inquiry into Fispay aims to determine if this UK company, or any other entity it is connected with, has provided or facilitated gambling facilities or services within the UK without holding the appropriate gambling license.

The Labour party's intervention highlights concerns about the integrity of the gambling industry and its potential links to political funding. By urging the Gambling Commission to investigate, Labour is seeking to ensure that all entities operating within the UK's gambling sector adhere to legal and regulatory standards. The investigation, if undertaken by the commission, would involve a thorough review of the operational activities of both Tether.bet and Fispay, including their licensing status, the nature of their services, and their target markets. The outcome of such an investigation could have implications for the companies involved, their associated political figures, and the broader regulatory landscape of gambling in the UK. The Gambling Commission is an independent statutory body responsible for regulating the gambling industry in Great Britain, ensuring that gambling is fair and open, and protecting children and vulnerable people from harm. Its remit includes licensing operators, investigating potential breaches of the law, and taking enforcement action where necessary.