The Future of Sports Gambling and Football in the UK

by Dan Mobbs

Betting shops became legal in the UK back in 1961, and ever since then, this activity has been favoured by millions. At present, some of the best sports betting sites allow Brits to place real money wagers on a variety of disciplines and events from different leagues around the world. However, a few recent regulatory changes indicate that the sports betting industry within the United Kingdom will undergo significant transformation. In the upcoming lines, we'll provide further details on what bettors, betting operators, and stakeholders may expect.

The Latest Changes Associated with the Sports Betting Industry in the UK

Although the iGaming industry in the UK is developing rapidly, a few recent changes indicate that British gamblers and bettors may soon face certain restrictions. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it's possible for stricter measures to be implemented.

Review of the Gambling Act

Not long ago, the UK Government thoroughly reviewed the Gambling Act. This was because the regulators sought ways to reduce the potential harm associated with digital gambling. According to a study conducted in 2020, more than 1.4 million British residents may suffer from gambling addiction. That's one of the reasons why people living in the UK have access to a myriad of tools and apps that help people deal with their problems associated with betting and gambling.

The UK Government aims to help individuals dealing with such issues by introducing a statuary levy eligible betting operators will receive. The respective sum must then be used to fund various organisations and services to reduce gambling-related problems. Casino games are also likely to be affected. According to the available information, slots may have a limit per spin, which can vary between £2 and £15.

Ban on Premier League Teams Sponsorships with Betting Operators

One of the most considerable changes that will negatively impact the betting industry is the ban on sponsorships between Premier League teams and online betting operators. It's expected for this restriction to take place in the 2025/2026 season. Players will no longer wear shirts with bookmakers' logos on the front. This particular move is one of the measures that will likely reduce the huge visibility of online gambling in the sports industry.

A Possibility of Introducing Affordability Checks for Online Betting

According to the Government's new White Paper, implementing the so-called affordability checks for online bettors may positively impact British people's budgets. Statistics show that many individuals spend way more than they can afford on sports betting and casino games.

Nonetheless, the public is undoubtedly dissatisfied with this idea, and many people expressed their frustration by saying that an affordability check can't determine whether or not one has a gambling addiction. Companies from the industry are also unhappy with this proposal, as they're certain that the implementation of such checks will lead to substantial financial losses.

What Will Happen to the UK Betting Industry in the Future?

It's still unknown whether the betting industry in the UK will face as many changes as initially proposed. Nonetheless, the ban on sponsorships between Premier League clubs and betting operators will undeniably impact many brands' popularity. Further restrictions may be proposed as the UK Government strives to reduce gambling-related issues to a minimum.

That's one of the reasons many gamblers of legal age choose to wager at offshore platforms. Restrictions and transaction limits on these websites are not as strict as those at UK-regulated companies. Betting operators with a license from the UK Gambling Commission adhere to many regulations aimed at reducing gambling harm among customers. Extensive KYC procedures and the opportunity to join GamStop for free at any time are just a few of the measures available to users.

Another change likely to occur in the foreseeable future is offering more virtual sports and eSports options for bettors. These two categories have seen significant improvement and a rise in popularity in the last couple of years, prompting many brands to strive to meet punters' expectations and needs.

Final Words

While it's still uncertain whether the UK online betting industry will become significantly stricter, there are indications that this may happen. Although the introduction of such restrictions may seem like a major issue for companies and betting enthusiasts, it could ultimately result in a reduced number of gambling addicts in the UK.