Unlicensed betting firms face ban from sponsoring UK sports teams
Gambling firms not licensed in the UK face being banned from sponsoring British sports teams under new government proposals to protect consumers.
Ministers have expressed concern regarding risks stemming from the unlicensed market, including companies ignoring laws designed to safeguard customers.
The government highlighted missing protections such as mandatory financial vulnerability checks and responsible advertising guidelines.
Risks of fraud and crime
officials warned that a lack of data protection measures leaves individuals open to fraud and identity theft.
Unregulated betting has also been linked to organised crime networks.
A consultation regarding the proposals is scheduled to launch this spring.
Premier League warnings
Last year, several top-flight sides were warned by the Gambling Commission regarding their relationship with TGP Europe.
Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle and Wolves carried branding from websites run by the firm, which had previously surrendered its British licence.
An investigation found the operator failed to carry out sufficient checks on business partners and breached anti-money laundering rules.
Clubs received letters warning they could be liable to prosecution for promoting unlicensed businesses transacting with consumers in Great Britain.
‘Not right’ to sponsor clubs
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said punters deserve to know the sites they use are properly regulated with the right protections.
She added: “It’s not right that unlicensed gambling operators can sponsor some of our biggest football clubs, raising their profile and potentially drawing fans towards sites that don’t meet our regulatory standards.”
The Betting and Gaming Council backed the plans on social media.
The industry body stated: “If an operator wants the visibility and credibility of English football, they should meet the high regulatory standards set here in the UK.”
Shirt sponsorship changes
Premier League clubs have already collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of matchday shirts by the end of the current campaign.
However, sleeve sponsorship is still permitted to carry betting branding, including that of unlicensed entities.
Ministers argue the visibility of such brands could drive consumers towards sites operating outside the Gambling Commission’s regulatory protections.