Spribe OÜ has had its UK gambling software licence restored after a suspension imposed in October 2025 by the Gambling Commission. The regulator initially halted the operator’s activities under section 118(2) of the Gambling Act 2005 due to “serious non-compliance with the hosting requirements of our licensing framework.” The suspension required Spribe to stop all hosting activity immediately until a suitable hosting licence could be obtained.
The Commission emphasized that operating gambling facilities without a licence under Section 33 of the Act constitutes a criminal offence unless an exemption applies. It also noted that compliance and integrity are essential standards for all licensees, instructing Spribe to notify affected parties and suspend operations while the review was underway.
Administrative Oversight Behind Suspension
Spribe described the suspension as largely a technical issue linked to licensing requirements. A spokesperson explained, “Spribe has held a remote operating licence in the UK market since late 2020 and has complied with all its terms, including annual audits, regulatory returns, and transparent communication with the UKGC regarding any questions or concerns throughout all these years.” The company acknowledged that the Commission identified a need for an additional hosting authorisation on top of its existing licence.
CEO David Natroshvili reiterated that the suspension arose from an administrative matter, stating the company was addressing it “as swiftly as possible.” Despite the licence restoration, Spribe’s flagship Aviator game remains unavailable on UK-regulated platforms. The title, which has become a leading crash game globally, could theoretically return to the licensed market once operational and technical requirements are fully resolved.
Industry Context and Ongoing Challenges
The temporary suspension occurred amid wider concerns in the UK gambling sector, including the upcoming Remote Gaming Duty increase to 40% from April and a planned rise in sports betting tax to 25% next year. These changes have fueled apprehension about operators and players moving to unregulated platforms.
Spribe has also faced challenges regarding its trademarks. A former shareholder of Adjarabet, a Georgian brand acquired by Flutter in 2019, has pursued claims in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, since 2024. Despite these legal and regulatory complexities, Spribe continued to expand its collaborations, most notably signing former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping as a brand ambassador for Aviator in February 2026 under a one-year agreement.
Industry analysts note that the temporary suspension highlights the importance of administrative clarity and technical compliance in regulated markets, particularly for rapidly expanding digital gambling operators. The resolution of Spribe’s hosting issue allows the company to maintain its presence in the UK, a market that remains highly competitive and sensitive to regulatory adherence.
The Gambling Commission defended the original suspension, describing it as necessary “on grounds of suitability.” Following the update on 30 March 2026, the Commission confirmed that Spribe may once again provide gambling facilities under its software licence, allowing it to resume regulated operations in Great Britain once all technical compliance steps are completed.
Source:
"Suspension of licence – Spribe OÜ", gamblingcommission.gov.uk, March 31, 2026
