UKGC suspends Targetlocal remote licence over AML failings

UKGC suspends Targetlocal remote licence over AML failings

On 21 September 2026, the UK Gambling Commission announced that it has suspended the combined remote operating licence of Targetlocal Ltd, which trades as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and runs kenhowells.com.

The online business covered by the suspended licence offered casino, sports betting, and virtual event betting under operating licence 000422-R-336567-002. Commission enquiries revealed anti-money laundering (AML) failings, the notice says.

This is a suspension while a review runs — not a statement that the licence has been revoked, and not a published fine.

Section 116 review

The Commission is reviewing the licence under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. The suspension stays in place until the Commission is satisfied the business is compliant. The operator is expected to treat consumers fairly and keep them informed of developments that affect them.

Trade desks including EGR Intel and iGaming Post carried the notice the same day. Spelling follows the Commission: Targetlocal — not the “Tarketlocal” typo that appeared in one secondary headline.

What the suspension does — and does not — do

The suspension takes effect immediately. During it:

• Customers can still access accounts and withdraw funds. The Commission’s notice says the suspension does not block those withdrawals. Contact remains via the operator’s website.
• Targetlocal’s non-remote general betting standard licence is not affected. Do not read this as a shutdown of every Targetlocal betting channel — only the combined remote licence is suspended on this wire.

The Commission notice does not invent fine amounts, named directors charged, court dates, or a claim that online play continues under a different remote licence number. Those stay off this page.

Why the wire matters

UK remote players on kenhowells.com lose the online casino, sports, and virtual products tied to that remote licence for as long as the suspension lasts — while the cash-out path stays open under the Commission’s terms. That is a regulated-market cashier and compliance story, not advice to chase losses or work around geo or self-exclusion controls.

If gambling feels hard to control, UK support includes BeGambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). Bonusjungle does not coach around limits, KYC, or blocks.

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