Novibet Quits UK Operations With Immediate Effect
Novibet has called time on the UK market after eight years. The online operator has told customers to withdraw existing funds and has surrendered its licence.
Novibet has returned its licence to the Gambling Commission after deciding to withdraw from the UK market.
Novibet exits UK Market © Pixabay.
The online operator was awarded an online sports betting and casino licence in November 2014, but yesterday announced it was exiting the British market to concentrate on other regulated markets.
They currently hold rights with the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), Malta Gaming Authority and Irish Revenue Commissioners.
Novibet, via parent company, Novigroup Limited, held business-to-business licences (B2B), a virtual sports licence and a bingo licence with the Gambling Commission.
A Gambling Commission spokesperson confirmed Novibets decision, saying: “We have been informed by Novigroup Ltd that it is surrendering its licence.
“The operator is aware that we expect an orderly closure of its website to GB consumers, and this includes providing consumers with clear information on how to obtain their funds. If a customer has questions concerning their account, they should contact the operator via its website,” the regulator’s spokesperson stated.
UK visitors to Novibet’s website receive the following message: “We would like to inform you that Novibet will not continue to operate in the UK from 21.02.2022.
“If you already have funds in your game account, please kindly withdraw them. For any questions or clarifications please contact our customer support team. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.”
Other visible UK assets have either been removed or are in the process. For example, Novibet still appears in the results in the odds comparison site, Oddschecker. However, UK consumers who click on the link receive a 404 page not found screen. Social media accounts have also been removed, and Novibet’s UK Twitter account has been deactivated.
However, industry insiders have questioned why the company has taken the unusual move to remove social media accounts at this stage. Operators who cease operations in the UK are required to keep open communication channels open to enable direct contact with consumers. The regulators’ rules explicitly state that social media should remain active to allow “wider messaging”.
In a statement, Novibet confirmed that they were ceasing UK operations to concentrate on a broader strategy for the company, which meant focusing on North and Central American regulated markets. The statement read: “Novibet has decided to surrender its Gambling Commission of Great Britain licence with immediate effect, on February 21, marking the conclusion of eight years proudly serving more than 368,000 customers.
“Novibet is solvent, customer funds are safe, and the cessation of business will be undertaken in an orderly fashion. All departments at Novibet are prepared for the smooth withdrawal from the [UK] market, and Novibet invites its members to withdraw any funds in their customer accounts,” the statement concluded.
Some on the internet celebrated the company’s decision to cease operations in the UK. On the company’s Trustpilot page, there have been 417 reviews with an average score of just 1.6 out of five.
One review had the headline, “Horrendous bookie. Glad they have surrendered UK Gambling License.
The review by Barry continues: “Horrendous bookie. Worst I’ve experienced. Made me jump through hoops with ridiculous verifications when I withdrew in January. Not forgetting that they already had ID and proof of address when opening the account. After a withdrawal request they asked for: photos of bank cards, bank statements accurate to the bank cards, bank statement showing a deposit to Novibet. Then they wanted a bank statement showing an Iban code… Unluckily for them, they had no choice to then proceed with my withdrawal. I worry about how many people they have stolen from. No surprise that they have surrendered their UK Gambling license today. Got my money out but I worry that they will cause problems for most.”
Another customer stated, “I know they read feedback as they reply to people who have given it 5 stars, so any chance you can reply to me?”
