UK Considers Ban on Unlicensed Gambling Sponsorships in Sports

The British government has unveiled proposals to consult on a possible ban on sports sponsorships by unlicensed gambling operators, as part of a broader crackdown on the black market.

UK Regulators Propose Ban on Unlicensed Gambling Sponsorships 

Under the proposed measures, unlicensed operators could be prohibited from sponsoring UK sports teams, including Premier League clubs. Ministers are reportedly “deeply concerned” about the risks posed by the unlicensed gambling market, according to a press release issued on February 23 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The government said that unlicensed operators fail to comply with regulations intended to safeguard consumers, such as compulsory financial vulnerability checks, responsible advertising standards, and others.

Several football clubs currently maintain partnerships and advertising deals with unlicensed operators, a situation that the DCMS has confirmed is not illegal. However, the government noted that because UK consumers could be exposed to these risky sites, there is a compelling argument for prohibiting this type of advertising altogether. 

It could be argued that the most recent considerations are part of a broader push from UK authorities to curb black market gambling. Recently, for example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) scrutinized Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for allegedly not stopping illegal gambling ads.

However, despite the UKGC’s efforts, this still may not be enough to have a significant impact on the black market, which had reportedly pocketed over GBP 100 million just on 2025’s Boxing Day alone.

Officials Support the Decision

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is one of the supporters of this new proposal. According to her, fans should have confidence that the platforms they use are properly regulated and provide appropriate protections when placing a bet. She added that it was wrong for unlicensed gambling operators to sponsor some of the country’s largest football clubs, arguing that such partnerships increase the operators’ visibility and could steer supporters toward sites that fail to meet regulatory standards.

Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GamStop Group, which helps individuals struggling with online gambling, said that any effort to stop unlicensed operators from gaining exposure through Premier League sponsorships would be a positive measure for consumer protection.

Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross has also been a supporter of a stronger reaction to illegal gambling. She explained that the government is well aware of the real harm unregulated gambling can inflict by exploiting vulnerable individuals and leaving consumers without the protections they are entitled to. 

Scrutiny of the gambling industry in the UK has also had an impact on legal offshore companies as well. Earlier this month, several large offshore gambling sites frequently used by UK players shifted their operations to a new licensing framework under Curaçao jurisdiction, a move that comes as campaigners, journalists, and regulators pay more attention to these sites.