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UK gambling reform: Government moves to ban unlicensed firms from sponsoring sports
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Premier League affected: Only Gambling Commission-licensed operators allowed
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Consumer protection focus: Lisa Nandy cites risks of unregulated betting sites
The United Kingdom government has announced plans to prohibit unlicensed gambling companies from sponsoring British sports teams, including clubs in the Premier League.
The proposal, unveiled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on February 23, 2026, is aimed at protecting consumers from betting operators that function outside the country’s regulatory framework.
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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said fans placing bets on major sporting events deserve assurance that the platforms they use are properly regulated and compliant with UK standards.
Under the new rules, only gambling companies holding a valid licence from the Gambling Commission will be allowed to sign sponsorship deals with sports clubs across Great Britain.
The move is expected to block offshore and unregulated betting firms from leveraging the visibility of English football to attract UK customers.
The Betting and Gaming Council, which represents licensed gambling operators, has welcomed the proposal, stating that companies seeking association with English football must meet the country’s strict regulatory requirements.
If implemented, the measure would mark a significant tightening of gambling sponsorship rules in British sport.