Sami Kurvinen 
Big Daddy Gaming Granted a UKGC License
Big Daddy Gaming is the latest slot developer to receive a UKGC license, meaning it will soon make…
Queenplay Casino is also closing down in the UK
The other day, we reported that Luckster Casino was closing down its operations in the UK, but it turns out that they aren’t the only Aspire Global brand shutting down.
Queenplay is another UKGC-licensed brand that has closed down for good.
What is an Aspire Global brand?
Aspire Global is a Business-to-Business (B2B) service provider for the online gambling market, founded in 2005.
Aspire Global’s business model was successful for many years as they focused on offering a full-service solution for launching and operating an online casino.
You could quickly launch your own online casino, knowing that everything operational is being taken care of by the Aspire team, while you only needed to focus on marketing and player acquisition.
This model is also referred to as a white label solution, and all brands launched by Aspire are Aspire Global brands.
Online casinos using the same UK license number as Queenplay, which are Aspire Global brands, currently include:
- Apuestarey.com
- Heyspin.com
- Kachingo.com
- Kingcasino.com
- Magicred.com
- Mrluck.com
- Neptuneplay.com
- Slotzo.com
- 666casino.com
- Betgrouse.com
- Playfrank.com
- Quickspinner.com
Is the previously successful white label model failing?
The white-label model has been a popular way to launch an online casino, as you don’t need the know-how or technical skills to operate a gambling site.
You need to come up with a start budget, a plan for marketing the white-label casino, and an idea for acquiring new customers, and you are good to go.
The B2B business provider, such as Aspire Global, would take care of the following:
- Tech platform
- Provide the ready negotiated rates on all casino games and slots
- Payment providers
- Support
- VIPs
- Retention (CRM)
- Fraud
- Legal & regulation
So why is this previously popular and successful white-label model failing now?
The main reason is that market conditions have changed in many countries, including the UK.
Many markets are now heavily regulated, with increased pressure on operators to comply with strict rules and higher taxes.
If the white-label casino makes mistakes or intentionally breaks the law, it is the license holder, such as Aspire Global, that takes the risk and has to pay the fines.
The thin margins of operating an online casino in a regulated market don’t leave much room for additional fees the operator must pay to the service provider, making this model challenging to sustain. You can also add increased overall competition and difficult marketing opportunities to the mix.
What’s happening in the UK market, and why did Queenplay close?
The biggest and most dramatic change in the UK market is the increase in the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) on online casino-style games and bingo from 21% to 40% on April 1, 2026.
This huge increase has led to UKGC-licensed online casinos struggling to operate profitably, as margins have become too thin after this change.
This is also the main reason why Queenplay has closed down and why other small to medium-sized UK casinos will follow suit in the coming months and years.
When did Queenplay close down in the UK?
Queenplay closed down and is no longer operational as of 28 May 2026.
What to do if you have funds on your Queenplay account
Queenplay advises players who have an account balance or a pending withdrawal to contact them by emailing [email protected].
What to look out for going forward
The dramatic increase in the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) from 21% to 40% has caused uncertainty in the UK market.
You will notice more UK casinos lowering the RTPs on online slots, and bonuses will decrease as well.
Unfortunately, we will see more smaller to medium-sized UK operators caving in as they struggle to remain profitable. This will eventually lead to a UK market where only a few large operators remain.
