meta_id 3329347

On July 15, 2026, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) opened a consultation on banning gambling operators not licensed by the Gambling Commission from entering into sponsorship or advertising arrangements across all sectors, including sports. Under current legislation, businesses can enter into advertising and sponsorship arrangements with unlicensed gambling operators provided those operators' services cannot be accessed by consumers in Great Britain. Unlicensed operators prevent access through geo-blocking their websites; however, consumers can circumvent this using virtual private networks (VPNs). This has become particularly prevalent in the sporting sector, notably football, following recent changes in the advertising landscape. The DCMS identified three core objectives driving the proposed legislative changes. First, protecting consumers—especially young people and vulnerable individuals—from unregulated platforms that may lack adequate player protections or fraud recourse. Second, defending the integrity of the domestic market by ensuring advertising footprints are exclusive to operators required to adhere to the Gambling Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Third, eliminating money laundering vulnerabilities within football clubs and agents flagged in the National Risk Assessment. The current legislation undermines the gambling licensing and advertising regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers in Great Britain and reduce money-laundering and crime risks. The proposed ban would apply to unlicensed gambling sponsorships and advertising across all sectors in Great Britain. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on September 9, 2026. Responses can be submitted online or emailed to gamblingactreview@dcms.gov.uk.

On July 15, 2026, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) opened a consultation on banning gambling operators not licensed by the Gambling Commission from entering into sponsorship or advertising arrangements across all sectors, including sports. Under current legislation, businesses can enter into advertising and sponsorship arrangements with unlicensed gambling operators provided those operators' services cannot be accessed by consumers in Great Britain. Unlicensed operators prevent access through geo-blocking their websites; however, consumers can circumvent this using virtual private networks (VPNs). This has become particularly prevalent in the sporting sector, notably football, following recent changes in the advertising landscape. The DCMS identified three core objectives driving the proposed legislative changes. First, protecting consumers—especially young people and vulnerable individuals—from unregulated platforms that may lack adequate player protections or fraud recourse. Second, defending the integrity of the domestic market by ensuring advertising footprints are exclusive to operators required to adhere to the Gambling Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Third, eliminating money laundering vulnerabilities within football clubs and agents flagged in the National Risk Assessment. The current legislation undermines the gambling licensing and advertising regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers in Great Britain and reduce money-laundering and crime risks. The proposed ban would apply to unlicensed gambling sponsorships and advertising across all sectors in Great Britain. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on September 9, 2026. Responses can be submitted online or emailed to gamblingactreview@dcms.gov.uk.