Operator InterStorm
Request
I am writing to request clarification regarding the legitimacy and regulatory status of an online casino operated by InterStorm N.V., trading under the name "Spincore", and whether it is authorized to offer gambling services to customers in the United Kingdom.
The operator states that InterStorm N.V. is incorporated under the laws of Curaçao with Company Number 137453 and holds a valid Certificate of Operation. It is further claimed that the company has a gaming license application currently in progress with the Curaçao Gaming Authority(Application No. OGL/2024/106/0170) and that, under a transitional arrangementpursuant to the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (P.B. 2024, no. 157), itis permitted to continue operating until the licensing process is concluded.
I would be grateful if you could confirm:
whether InterStorm N.V. or the brand "Spincore" holds any license or authorization issued by the UK Gambling Commission;
whether an operator licensed (or applying for a license) in Curaçao is permitted to offer online gambling services to UK customers without a UKGC license;
and whether the above claims made by the operator raise any regulatory concerns from a UK perspective.
Response
Thank you for your request which has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).
In your email you have requested information regarding the legitimacy and regulatory status of an online casino operated by InterStorm N.V., trading under the name “Spincore”, and whether it is authorised to offer gambling services to customers in the United Kingdom.
Specifically:
- whether InterStorm N.V. or the brand “Spincore” holds any license or authorisation issued by the UK Gambling Commission;
- whether an operator licensed (or applying for a license) in Curaçao is permitted to offer online gambling services to UK customers without a UKGC license;
- and whether the above claims made by the operator raise any regulatory concerns from a UK perspective.
The Gambling Commission can confirm as follows:
Question One:
All operators who are licensed, or in the process of being licensed, by the Commission can be found on our Licensee register, which is regularly updated. This can be found on our website: Full register of gambling businesses - Gambling Commission.
The Gambling Commission publishes a live register of gambling premises on its website, which can be found here: Public Register. This information is updated nightly.
The Commission does not issue premises licences. The licensing of premises for gambling businesses is the responsibility of local licensing authorities (normally the Local Authority for the area where the business is located). You should contact individual licensing authorities to obtain more detailed information about premises licences: You can find your local licensing authority on GOV.UK (opens in new tab).
The live public register is published with the caveat that the Gambling Commission cannot provide any assurances on the completeness and accuracy of this data.
Question Two:
A licensed operator (or an operator applying for a license) based in Curaçao is not permitted to offer gambling services within the UK without a license from us.
Any consumers who gamble with unlicensed operators are unlikely to receive the protections the Commission requires from its licensees.
Further, it is important to the Gambling Commission that consumers are confident that they can gamble in an environment that is safe and free of crime. If you have any further information regarding suspicious activity or criminality related to the gambling industry, then you are able to contact the Commission online or via telephone. All reports submitted through this service will be treated in the strictest confidence.
By the online service:
Provide details and attach additional information using the online form: Tell us something in confidence service (opens in new tab).
By phone:
01212306655. From outside the UK, call +44 121 230 6655. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Question Three:
In relation to question three of your request, it should be noted that the FOIA gives individuals the right to request only recorded information held by public authorities, such as the Gambling Commission. It does not provide an avenue for individuals to gain views or opinions of public authorities or information not held at the time the request is made. Part three of your request is therefore not a valid request for recorded information as it is not information recorded in any form, and therefore we are unable to process your request in line with the FOIA legislation.
Review of the decision
If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your Freedom of Information request you are entitled to an internal review of our decision. You should write to FOI Team, Gambling Commission, 4th floor, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP or by reply to this email.
Please note, internal review requests should be made within 40 working days of the initial response. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.
If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have already exhausted the review procedure provided by the Gambling Commission.
It should be noted that if you wish to raise a complaint with the ICO about the Commission’s handling of your request for information, then you are required to do so within six weeks of receiving your final response or last substantive contact with us.
The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office (opens in new tab), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.
Information Management Team
Gambling Commission