A sponsored article published on 4 September 2026 has promoted 10 online gambling websites as “UFA direct sites” allegedly approved by UFABET, while making claims about international licensing, payment security and rapid withdrawals that have not been independently substantiated.
The sites named are UFA248, UFA246, UFAPLUS, UFA289, UFALOVE, UFARS, UFACAM, UFA168, UFATHAI and UFAWALLET777. The article presents them as partners linked directly to UFABET and assigns purported certifications from bodies including PAGCOR, Curaçao eGaming, GLI and iTech Labs.
However, the article does not publish licence numbers, the legal names of the operators, or documentary evidence establishing that any of the 10 businesses has been approved by UFABET or the regulators mentioned.
Claims of PAGCOR certification face scrutiny
Several of the websites are described as “PAGCOR certified”. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, however, states that all internet gaming licences and authorised providers for offshore gaming operations were cancelled with effect from 15 December 2024.
PAGCOR has warned that any company or gaming website claiming to hold a valid offshore gaming or internet gaming licence from the organisation is “fraudulent and unauthorized”. It has urged the public to verify online gaming platforms before making payments. ([pagcor.ph](https://www.pagcor.ph/offshore-gaming.php?utm_source=openai))
The regulator distinguishes between approved domestic gaming operations and offshore services. Its published licensing information says that registered brands and domain names should be checked against official lists, while a separate public notice warns that domestic gaming licensees are not authorised to operate offshore gaming platforms. ([pagcor.ph](https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/cegs.php?utm_source=openai))
The article also refers to GLI and iTech Labs. iTech Labs describes itself as an independent testing and certification laboratory for games, platforms and random-number generators; such testing is not, by itself, evidence that a gambling operator is licensed to offer services in a particular country. ([itechlabs.com](https://itechlabs.com/?utm_source=openai))
Warning for British consumers
None of the 10 brands is presented in the sponsored article as holding a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. The commission says consumers using unlicensed gambling websites may not receive the protections available in the regulated sector, including safeguards against criminality and gambling-related harm. ([gamblingcommission.gov.uk](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/manual/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/the-provider-of-facilities-for-gambling-what-are-the-issues-unlicensed?utm_source=openai))
The UK Government has also opened a consultation on banning sponsorship by unlicensed gambling operators, citing concerns about consumer protection, money laundering and the way offshore services can be accessed by British users despite geo-blocking. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-banning-unlicensed-gambling-sponsorship?utm_source=openai))
The Gambling Commission has previously warned that unlicensed operators can use aggressive marketing and alternative payment methods to reach consumers. It advises people to check whether a business appears on its public register before depositing money or providing personal and financial information. ([gamblingcommission.gov.uk](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/report/illegal-online-gambling-disruption-of-illegal-online-gambling/new-tactics-coming-into-use-disruption-of-illegal-online-gambling?utm_source=openai))
The sponsored article promotes features including automatic deposits and withdrawals, TrueMoney Wallet payments, mobile access, live casino games, sports betting, slots and online lotteries. It also makes claims about 24-hour customer service, full payouts and the ability to process large winnings, but provides no independently verifiable evidence for those assurances.
Readers considering any of the named services should not treat the sponsored article’s descriptions or claimed certifications as proof of regulatory approval. Licence status, operator identity and the legality of access should be checked through the relevant regulator before any money or personal data is supplied.
