BC.Game Shuts Down UK Casino Amid Regulatory Struggles

The crypto casino giant BC.Game has shut down its UK operations, sparking major regulatory and financial concerns.
Amid allegations of mismanagement and license revocation in Curaçao, BC.Game’s future as a sponsor for Leicester City FC hangs in balance.
Explore how these events have unfolded, jeopardizing the company’s operations, and threatening its standing in the crypto-gaming market.
Dive into the details of BC.Game’s UK closure and what it means for its global ambitions and partnerships.

BC.Game Faces Regulatory Crisis: UK Casino Closed and Leicester City Sponsorship in Jeopardy

Key Points

1. BC.Game’s UK casino has been shut down following its holding company’s bankruptcy in Curaçao.
2. Leicester City FC’s sponsorship with BC.Game faces uncertainty as the operator’s license remains under threat.
3. BC.Game is seeking a new license in Vanuatu as regulatory battles intensify globally.

BC.Game, the prominent crypto casino operator and shirt sponsor of Leicester City FC, has officially closed its UK-facing website amid a storm of regulatory and financial troubles. This move follows the bankruptcy declaration of its holding company in Curaçao, leading to the likely revocation of its gaming license by the island’s regulator.

Shutdown and Customer Refunds

The BC.Game website is now inaccessible in the UK, displaying a message that the platform is no longer available for both new and existing customers. A notice sent to players confirmed the cessation of new registrations on 14 November 2024, two days after the operator’s holding company was declared bankrupt in Curaçao.

Despite the closure, the company assured users that funds had been refunded via the original deposit methods. It also claimed to be contacting remaining customers to finalize any outstanding refunds.

Regulatory Pressure and License Revocation

On the same day as the shutdown, BC.Game executives were due to meet with Curaçao Gaming Control Board officials to justify why its license should not be withdrawn. Sources indicate the likelihood of retaining the license is slim, leaving the operator’s flagship crypto casino operations in legal limbo.

A revoked license would severely impact BC.Game’s operations, limiting access to financing and the ability to open essential banking accounts. Gamingo.news reports that BC.Game has begun applying for a new gaming license with the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, signaling an attempt to salvage its global operations.

Leicester City Sponsorship in Question

BC.Game’s license issues have cast doubt on its sponsorship deal with Premier League club Leicester City FC, signed in the summer of 2024. The sponsorship adhered to UK advertising laws through a white-label agreement with TGP Europe.

Despite the operator’s bankruptcy, Leicester City previously issued a statement supporting BC.Game, citing assurances of liquidity and continued commitment to contractual obligations. However, that statement has since been deleted from the club’s website, raising questions about the deal’s future legality and viability.

Broader Implications for BC.Game

The fallout from BC.Game’s regulatory woes extends beyond the UK and Curaçao. The operator was recently named in a 400-page report by auditor and opposition politician Dr. Luigi Faneyte. The report alleges inappropriate links between BC.Game and figures involved in Curaçao’s licensing reform process.

Curaçao regulators strongly denied these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and the integrity of the island’s gambling reforms. Nonetheless, the situation has intensified scrutiny of BC.Game’s operations and partnerships.

The closure of BC.Game’s UK operations and the potential revocation of its Curaçao license signal a pivotal moment for the crypto casino giant. As it navigates regulatory challenges, the company’s sponsorship deal with Leicester City FC faces mounting uncertainty, with broader implications for its global standing.

BC.Game’s efforts to secure a license in Vanuatu underscore its determination to remain active in the competitive crypto-gaming market. However, the company must address lingering regulatory concerns and rebuild trust among partners and players to sustain its operations.

The coming months will determine whether BC.Game can recover from this regulatory storm or become a cautionary tale in the evolving world of crypto gambling.