Gambling Commission newsletter: illegal gambling action, sponsorship consultation and safeguarding research

The Gambling Commission newsletter of 17 August 2026 set out four updates of note for licensing practitioners: its support for a police operation against illegal gambling in South Yorkshire, a new government consultation on unlicensed gambling sponsorship, a reminder of identity verification duties for remote operators, and new research into illegal online lotteries.

Police action. The Commission supported South Yorkshire Police in a coordinated operation targeting illegal gambling and suspected organised criminal activity in Sheffield and Doncaster. Carried out on 4 and 5 August as part of Operation Duxford and Operation Snaresbrook, officers executed warrants at venues suspected of involvement in illegal gambling and money laundering. Sixteen illegal betting terminals were discovered, along with cash and gold, and three people were arrested.

Sponsorship consultation. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched a consultation on banning gambling operators that are not licensed by the Gambling Commission from entering into sponsorship or advertising arrangements across all sectors, including sport. The consultation closes on 9 September 2026, and licensing practitioners with a view on the proposals may wish to respond directly.

Identity verification reminder. The newsletter also reminds remote operators of their identity verification requirements, in a blog post from the Commission’s Director of Major Policy Projects and Evaluation, Helen Rhodes, and Senior Policy Officer, Sarah Webster.

Consumer research. Separately, the Commission’s Research and Impact Manager, Rupam Jagota, introduces new consumer research examining how people engage with online illegal individual-led lotteries and raffles promoted on social media.

The Gambling Commission’s newsletter is published fortnightly; the full 17 August edition is available to view and read online.