BC.GAME, a partner displayed on Leicester City’s jerseys, appears to have lost its operational license.
A report from Josimar, a football news publication, suggests that a document from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) indicates the regulator intends to revoke the license held by Small Dance B.V., the company managing BC.GAME.
If this information is accurate, it will exacerbate an already challenging situation for Leicester City, which is contending with various financial and legal difficulties associated with its partner.
BC.GAME recently had to address allegations of bankruptcy as legal proceedings continue in Curaçao, a Caribbean island territory of the Netherlands where numerous international gambling companies are licensed.
The litigation was initiated by BC.GAME users who reported losses due to technical issues, accusing the company of wrongdoing. BC.GAME has firmly refuted these allegations, despite reports of bankruptcy involving the two entities behind the brand—Blockdance BV and Small House BV.
In response, Leicester City released a statement affirming that BC.GAME has provided robust reassurances of an active appeal against the case. They emphasized that the proceedings in Curaçao are administrative and unrelated to financial instability. Furthermore, BC.GAME assured they have no liquidity issues and are committed to fulfilling all contractual and financial commitments, including those with Leicester City. They insist this legal matter will not affect their ongoing international operations.
The potential bankruptcy and license revocation of BC.GAME could have serious consequences. For Leicester City, this could mean a significant financial hit, possibly losing a crucial sponsorship deal from their shirt partner.
Currently in 16th place in the Premier League and hovering just above relegation, the club is also undergoing managerial changes. Maintaining commercial income is vital for the team’s performance.
Off-field, Leicester City is already under scrutiny due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Any additional revenue loss could risk further rule violations, potentially leading to point deductions.
Additionally, losing a Curaçao license could create more complications, given BC.GAME’s absence of operations in the UK. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has previously warned clubs like Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace about the pitfalls of collaborations with operators not active in the country.
Broadly, this situation might tarnish the entire web of sponsorship agreements between English football clubs and betting businesses, especially as clubs have spent years justifying these partnerships amid the ongoing Gambling Act review.
English Premier League teams are set to phase out front-of-shirt betting sponsorships from the 2026/27 season. However, incidents like this could fuel campaigners’ concerns about clubs engaging with high-risk industries such as gambling.