British government considers unlicensed gambling operator ban in EPL

February 24 – The British government has unveiled plans to ban unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring professional sports teams, including English Premier League clubs/

The move is designed to “prevent unlicensed operators from sponsoring sports clubs, as part of wider measures to tackle illegal gambling market” and a “ban would stop illegal firms using Premier League clubs as a platform to appeal to British audience.”

Previously, gambling advertisements were limited on shirts of EPL clubs, but unlicensed gambling operators have still enjoyed high visibility on the hoardings of several top-tier stadiums.

The government says the proposed regulations are an attempt to “mitigate the risks associated with the illegal market and help eliminate unfair competition for properly regulated firms.”

The consultation phase will be closely watched.

Last month, Norwegian magazine Josimar reported, based on correspondence between the Premier League and Baroness Twycross, the British Minister for Gambling and Heritage, that English football clubs would still be allowed to pursue commercial relationships with illegal betting operators in the future.

However, new reports now suggest the government will take some sort of action.

“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,” said culture secretary Lisa Nandy in a statement.

Last year, the Gambling Commission warned several clubs over their relationships with unlicensed TGP Europe. Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with then-Championship side Burnley FC, were sponsored by betting websites operated by the firm, which later surrendered its UK licence after an investigation found it failed to conduct adequate checks on business partners and breached anti-money-laundering rules.

The clubs got a letter which outlined that they “may be liable to prosecution… if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain”.

Baroness Twycross added in a statement: “We know the real harm that unregulated gambling can cause, exploiting vulnerable people and leaving consumers without the protections they deserve.”

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1771927980labto1771927980ofdlr1771927980owedi1771927980sni@i1771927980tnuk.1771927980ardni1771927980mas1771927980