SBObet Surrenders Isle of Man Online Gambling License

Celton Manx, the license holding entity for SBObet and its various online platforms, has surrendered its Isle of Man online gambling license, marking another significant departure from the jurisdiction that has long been a hub for online gaming operators.

License Surrender Details

The surrender took effect on May 9, 2025, with Celton Manx no longer appearing in the active register of licensees maintained by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). The company has been moved to the register of previous licensees, though neither Celton Manx nor the GSC has issued an official statement regarding the reasons behind this decision.

Despite the license surrender, Celton Manx’s LinkedIn profile still indicates the company as being registered on the island.

Website Compliance Issues

The websites previously operating under the company’s OGRA Network License—including SBObet.com, SBOtop.com, and SBObeteu.com—have removed the Isle of Man gambling license seal, which is a legal requirement for companies licensed in the jurisdiction. More concerning is that these sites do not appear to display any gambling licensing information whatsoever, potentially raising regulatory concerns.

This lack of licensing information is particularly notable given that many of the online entities connected to the firm continue to list it as the principal partner of Fulham Football Club.

Part of a Larger Trend

SBObet’s departure represents the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the Isle of Man. Recently, 188BET, another major Asian gaming operator with long-standing ties to the island, also surrendered its license and relocated operations to Asia. 188BET subsequently acquired an Anjouan license, though it remains unclear whether Celton Manx will pursue a similar strategy.

Historical Significance

SBObet was among the early pioneers of online gambling licensing on the Isle of Man, and its operating company, Celton Manx, has been a prominent supporter of local charitable organizations and community events throughout its tenure on the island.

The company owns its office building on the outskirts of Douglas, the Isle of Man’s capital city, and previously operated a live casino facility from its headquarters. However, reports suggest this facility may have been closed some time ago due to staffing challenges.

Impact on Isle of Man

This license surrender comes at a challenging time for the Isle of Man’s eGaming industry, which accounts for approximately 25% of the island’s economy. The sector has recently faced numerous negative headlines, including the high-profile King Gaming scandal, followed by multiple criminal investigations, police raids, and regulatory enforcement actions.

These developments signal a significant shift in the island’s approach toward online gambling operators, particularly those with connections to Asian markets. The long-term impact of Celton Manx’s license surrender on the Isle of Man’s reputation within the global gaming industry remains to be seen.

Future Uncertain

It is currently unknown whether Celton Manx intends to completely exit the Isle of Man or maintain some presence in the jurisdiction despite surrendering its gambling license. The company has not announced plans regarding alternative licensing arrangements or jurisdictional changes.

Industry observers will be watching closely to see if this marks another step in a broader migration of online gambling operators away from more tightly regulated European jurisdictions toward alternative regulatory environments.