Gambling Commission Urged to Probe Reform UK Donor Firms 2026

The Gambling Commission has been urged to investigate companies linked to Reform UK donors and allies of Nigel Farage, following allegations of unlicensed gambling operations. Labour's chair, Bridget Phillipson, has formally requested the watchdog to examine Tether.bet and Fispay, both of which are reportedly operating without the necessary UK licences.

Background of the Allegations

The Sunday Times investigation revealed that Tether.bet, a Montenegro-based gambling company, and Fispay, a UK company owned by Reform's data protection officer Mowbray Jackson, have been operating without a licence. This is a direct violation of the Gambling Act 2005, which makes it illegal to provide gambling facilities without proper authorisation.

George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and long-term ally of Nigel Farage, is linked to Tether.bet, which issued a closure notice on its website on 12 August. Meanwhile, crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne's £5m gift to Farage is already under scrutiny by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.

Labour's Letter to the Gambling Commission

In her letter, Bridget Phillipson urged the commission to investigate whether Tether.bet and its operators provided or advertised remote gambling facilities to UK consumers without the required licence. She also asked whether Fispay Ltd or any other UK company provided or supported gambling facilities without a licence.

Phillipson emphasised that these are the latest allegations in a mountain of unanswered questions concerning Reform's donors and finances. She stated, "Nigel Farage cannot dodge them for ever. He needs to stop making excuses and come clean with the public."

Key Companies and Individuals Involved

Reactions and Defences

Mowbray Jackson told the Sunday Times that his company "exclusively" brokered private jet travel and had never provided facilities for gambling. George Cottrell stated he was a customer of Tether.bet and has "never solicited clients for any betting company."

Despite these denials, the Labour party insists that a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure compliance with the law and to restore public trust in political funding.

Key Takeaways

• The Gambling Commission is being urged to investigate Tether.bet and Fispay for potential unlicensed gambling operations.
• Both companies are linked to Reform UK donors or allies of Nigel Farage.
• Operating gambling facilities without a licence is illegal under the Gambling Act 2005.
• Labour's letter highlights broader concerns about Reform's donor transparency.
• The investigation could have significant implications for political funding regulations.

FAQ

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Gambling Commission responds to Labour's request. The outcome could set a precedent for how political donors' business activities are regulated in the future.

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