UK Gambling Commission Suspends Ken Howells Online Licence Over AML Concerns
The Welsh bookmaker has been ordered to stop accepting online bets while the regulator reviews its compliance with anti-money laundering requirements.
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the online gambling licence held by Targetlocal Ltd, the company behind Welsh bookmaker Ken Howells, amid concerns about its compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
The regulator announced the suspension on 21 September 2026, confirming that it had launched a review of the operator's licence under Section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.
The suspension took immediate effect, preventing Ken Howells from accepting new online bets while the investigation continues. Customers must still be permitted to access their accounts and withdraw existing funds.
The regulatory action comes approximately one year after the bookmaker launched a new online betting and gaming offering powered by EveryMatrix.
Licence Review Covers Casino And Sports Betting Operations
The Gambling Commission's review covers Targetlocal Ltd's remote casino, sports betting and virtual event betting activities.
The regulator cited concerns about the operator's compliance with AML requirements as the reason for suspending its licence.
Under the suspension, Ken Howells cannot continue accepting online gambling transactions covered by the affected licence. However, the company remains responsible for meeting its obligations to existing customers, including facilitating withdrawals.
The suspension will remain in place until the Commission is satisfied that the business is compliant.
The regulator has not disclosed the specific AML concerns underlying its decision or identified particular transactions, customers or internal controls involved in the review.
The announcement also does not establish that money laundering has occurred. The action concerns regulatory compliance and remains subject to the outcome of the Commission's investigation.
Suspension Follows EveryMatrix Platform Launch
The regulatory intervention comes around 12 months after Ken Howells introduced a new online betting and gaming platform through a partnership with EveryMatrix.
The launch marked a development in the Welsh bookmaker's digital operations, providing the infrastructure for its online casino and betting services.
However, the Gambling Commission's latest decision means the operator must suspend the affected online gambling activities while the licence review is ongoing.
The regulator has not indicated that EveryMatrix is subject to the investigation or suggested that the platform supplier was responsible for the compliance concerns.
No timetable has been provided for the completion of the review, and the Commission has not announced whether further regulatory action will follow.
For now, Ken Howells remains unable to accept online bets under the suspended licence, although existing customers retain the ability to withdraw their funds.
