UKGC Restores Ken Howells Licence for 3 Online Gambling Activities

The decision appeared as an update to the regulator’s September announcement, rather than a new notice. Targetlocal had taken significant action, the Commission said. It did not specify what the company had changed.

September AML Findings and Licence Review

The original UKGC notice reported AML failings identified during enquiries into Targetlocal’s operations. The regulator also launched a licence review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005.

While the suspension was in place, customers could still access their accounts and withdraw funds. Targetlocal’s land-based betting licence was not suspended.

The October update removes the restriction on remote gambling.

Three Online Categories Listed as Active

The UKGC public register gives a more detailed picture of Targetlocal’s current licensing position.

As of October 15, the operator has Active status for three remote activities:

• Casino Remote;
• General Betting Standard – Real Event Remote;
• General Betting Standard – Virtual Event Remote.

The three activities share licence number 000422-R-336567-002, the same authorisation that was suspended in September. The regulator has restored its status without issuing a new licence number.

Targetlocal’s separate non-remote betting licence, 000422-N-103261-013, is also Active. That licence was not part of the September suspension.

The register confirms the licensing position but does not record when each online product resumed taking bets.

Licence Review Outcome Not Yet Confirmed

The October 13 update deals with the suspension. It does not say whether the wider licence review has been completed or whether Targetlocal faces any further regulatory action.

A separate decision on the September AML findings would be the next substantive development to watch. For now, the public record confirms that Targetlocal can operate under its restored remote licence.