UK Watchdog Urged to Investigate Gambling Firms
Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson has asked the UK Gambling Commission to investigate two companies linked to Reform UK donors and associates.
In a letter sent to the regulator, Phillipson called for an investigation into Montenegro-based Tether.bet and UK company Fispay.
The request followed claims that the companies had operated without the required gambling licence. Offering or advertising gambling services to UK customers without a licence is illegal under the Gambling Act 2005.
Phillipson asked the regulator to determine whether Tether.bet provided or promoted remote gambling to people in the UK. She also requested a review of whether Fispay or another UK company supported unlicensed gambling services.
Tether.bet published a closure notice on its website on August 12, 2026. George Cottrell, an associate of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, has been linked to the platform.
Cottrell denied owning, operating or investing in Tether.bet. His lawyers said his connection to the company was limited to being a customer and knowing its owner.
Fispay owner Mowbray Jackson also rejected the claims. He said the company only arranged private jet travel and had never provided gambling facilities.
The Gambling Commission has not yet announced whether it will open a formal investigation.
