UK Government opens consultation on banning unlicensed gambling sponsors

The UK government has said it will seek input on a possible ban that would prevent gambling companies without a UK license from sponsoring sports teams, including Premier League clubs.

The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport said that the move is meant to “mitigate the risks associated with the illegal market and help eliminate unfair competition for properly regulated firms.”

This spring, there will be a consultation about the proposal. Several Premier League football clubs currently display the logos of unlicensed gambling operators, a practice that is not illegal under existing law.

The Premier League has already voluntarily agreed to remove all gambling sponsorship from the front of jerseys by the end of the 2025-26 season. However, unlicensed operators can still secure sleeve sponsorship deals, maintaining significant visibility in the league.

The government estimates that around 1.4m adults in the UK struggle with gambling-related issues.

The consultation follows a period of heightened scrutiny over unlicensed sponsorships in English football.

Last year, the Gambling Commission issued warnings to Premier League clubs Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, and Wolves, as well as then-Championship side Burnley, over its sponsorship arrangements with TGP Europe.

TGP Europe had surrendered its UK license following an investigation that found it failed to conduct adequate checks on business partners and breached anti-money laundering regulations.

The commission warned that the clubs “could face prosecution if they endorse unlicensed gambling entities that engage with customers in Great Britain.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “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 also voiced support for the government’s initiative, stating that any operator seeking the visibility associated with English football should comply with UK regulatory standards.