Evolution Ends UK License Review With £4.75m Settlement

Evolution has agreed to pay £4.75 million to conclude a Gambling Commission review of its UK license. The case centered on games found across six websites serving British users without a local license.

The regulator opened the review in December 2024 after Evolution content was identified on sites operating outside the licensed UK market. The investigation covered two operators and six websites.

What Triggered the Review

Evolution said the operators had actively evaded restrictions that were in place at the time. Offering the supplier’s content to British consumers also breached Evolution’s terms of supply. Evolution terminated both business relations after finding out about the sites.

Evolution said the 18-month review identified no broader pattern of unlicensed access to its content in the UK. That limits the documented scope of the case, although it does not remove the control issue behind the settlement.

The Gambling Commission has yet to publish its detailed public statement on the settlement. Until then, the composition of the £4.75 million payment and any additional regulatory terms remain unconfirmed.

Distribution Controls Move Into Focus

Evolution said enhanced ring-fencing measures were among its latest compliance developments. It also stated that it continues to employ technological controls, legal action, and commercial mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

This incident highlights the challenge faced by big B2B providers. Contract terms may restrict access from unlicensed markets, but they do not always stop content from appearing on operators’ websites.

For UK-licensed B2B suppliers, the risk extends across the distribution chain. There is a need to monitor where the games get hosted and whether they are accessible. Just contract provisions could not prevent the content of Evolution from being accessible through the six websites.

Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund said it was unacceptable that six unlicensed sites had offered the company’s content in the regulated UK market. He added that Evolution does not want traffic from unlicensed operators and will act quickly when such cases are identified.

Galaxy Deal Still Awaits US Approval

The UK review ended shortly before the July 17 outside date that had been set for the acquisition of Galaxy Gaming by Evolution. The offer price of $3.20 per share was agreed upon in 2024, although the outside date was later extended.

This settlement removes one of the outstanding issues for Evolution, but doesn’t solve the Galaxy deal since the acquisition remains subject to outstanding gaming regulatory approvals. The UK case also puts new pressure on suppliers to monitor where their games show up and shut down unlicensed operators immediately.