Evolution Accepts £4.75M UKGC Settlement for Unlicensed Gambling Websites |

Evolution AB, a leading online gaming provider based in Sweden, has consented to remit £4.75 million (approximately US$6.42 million) to resolve a license review by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This review uncovered that the company’s games were available to British players via unauthorized gaming websites.

Evolution, UK Gambling Commission, UKGC, unlicensed gambling websites, gambling regulation — Evolution reported that two operators across six websites bypassed its technical safeguards, enabling unauthorized access to its games for UK players. (Image: Shutterstock)

On Wednesday, the Stockholm-listed gaming provider disclosed that the review was prompted by “two operators across six websites” that had evaded the technical measures Evolution had implemented.

The company swiftly terminated its partnerships with these operators and has since reinforced its protective measures.

Investigative Findings

The announcement of the ongoing investigation in December 2024 led to a 10% drop in Evolution’s shares, despite the UK representing only about 3% of its total revenue at that time. Analysts indicated that investors were concerned that the review might trigger regulatory scrutiny in other jurisdictions.

However, the review, which lasted nearly 19 months, concluded that there was “no broader pattern of unlicensed access to Evolution content in the UK,” as per the company’s statement. The settlement successfully resolves the issue, Evolution confirmed.

Evolution did not disclose the identities of the two operators or the websites involved. As of July 16, the UK Gambling Commission had also refrained from publicly naming them or releasing specific details regarding the investigation.

“At Evolution, we strive to uphold standards, and it is unacceptable that six unauthorized sites provided Evolution content in the regulated UK market,” stated CEO Martin Carlesund in the announcement.

“We do not desire traffic from unlicensed operators and will always react promptly to any such issue. We are pleased with the resolution of this review and remain committed to delivering our world-class games to licensed operators in the UK.”

Legal Proceedings Against Black Cube

This settlement occurs as Evolution pursues a separate legal action regarding claims made in a 2021 report that suggested the company operated within countries subject to U.S. sanctions, such as Iraq, Sudan, and Syria.

Evolution has denied these allegations and is suing the author of the report for defamation. Court documents indicate that the report was produced by the Israeli intelligence agency Black Cube on behalf of Evolution’s rival, Playtech.

A following investigation by regulators in New Jersey found no violations, and Evolution was cleared of any wrongdoing in February 2024.

Philip Conneller has spent eight years with Casino.org, covering the gaming industry from Las Vegas to Macau and beyond. His work currently revolves around gaming law, white-collar crime, global money laundering, tribal gaming, politics, and regulation.

He was the original features editor for Bluff Magazine and editor for Bluff Europe, which he helped to establish. His articles have appeared in notable publications like ESPN, Forbes, Time Out, The Sun, and The Daily Star, as well as iGaming Business, eGaming Review, and various other industry news and tech outlets.

His reports for Casino.org/news have been referenced by The Washington Post, The Daily Mail, People Magazine, and appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, among others.

Philip famously won $20,000 with a 7-2 off-suit hand and has accidentally played Elton John’s piano on two occasions on both sides of the Atlantic.

A writer by necessity, Philip resides outside London with his wife and children, where he obsessively follows Arsenal FC.

Contact Philip at [email protected].

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