The UK's strategy to combat illegal gambling in sports

The UK government is developing a new regulatory framework that would ban unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring professional sports teams. According to Bloomberg, this initiative is a key part of the UK’s broader campaign against the expansion of gambling in the black market.

A New Regulatory Framework Against Illegitimate Operators

The proposal aims directly to limit the influence of unregulated gambling service providers in the European sports landscape. Premier League and other league teams could be prohibited from accepting funding from gambling operators operating outside approved regulatory frameworks. This approach represents a significant tightening compared to previous policies, aimed at depriving illegal operators of resources by reducing their visibility and funding channels.

Consumer Protection as a Central Priority

A fundamental element of this strategy is safeguarding consumers from predatory practices by unregulated entities. Illegal gambling services often operate without the necessary protections, such as mandatory betting limits, self-exclusion tools, and identity verification. The UK recognizes that associating illegitimate operators with high-profile teams increases the risk of exposing young people and vulnerable consumers to potentially harmful services.

Implications for the Sports Sector

This regulatory change will have significant consequences for the funding model of British sports. Clubs will need to diversify their sponsorship sources, seeking legitimate and compliant commercial partners. At the same time, the measure sends a strong signal to the European market about the UK’s control over gambling regulation, positioning the country as a leader in consumer protection and the fight against illegal gambling.