Sorare Faces Trial for Alleged UK Gambling Law Violations

Sorare, a high-profile fantasy football platform, is headed to court over alleged UK gambling law violations. The case could redefine what constitutes gambling in the digital space, impacting the entire online gaming industry. Sorare disputes the claims, arguing that its business model does not fall under UK gambling regulations. Explore the details of this landmark trial and its implications for digital gaming and sports betting platforms.

Sorare’s Trial for Alleged UK Gambling Law Violations: Company Disputes Need for Gambling License

Sorare, the fantasy football platform, has pleaded not guilty to three charges of providing unlicensed gambling activities in the UK. The case, initiated by the Gambling Commission, will go to trial in the Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in June 2025. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the evolving landscape of online gaming and fantasy sports.

The charges allege that Sorare offered “a remote facility for gambling to consumers within Great Britain, without holding a license” over three periods between 7 February 2022 and 5 April 2024. These allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation of the 2005 Gambling Act, which sets strict guidelines for gambling activities in the UK.

Sorare Denies Charges, Defends Business Model

Sorare, represented by its legal counsel, has firmly denied the charges, maintaining that its platform does not offer gambling services in the UK. In response to the allegations, a Sorare spokesperson stated, “We firmly deny any claims that Sorare is a gambling product under UK laws. The Commission has misunderstood our business and wrongly determined that gambling laws apply to Sorare.”

Sorare asserts that its platform operates differently from traditional gambling activities. Users buy, sell, and trade digital cards of football players, which they use to build fantasy teams and compete in tournaments. The company argues that this model does not fit the definition of gambling, as defined by UK regulations, and that it does not require a gambling license to operate in Britain.

Premier League Partnership Under the Spotlight

Sorare’s legal battle has garnered significant attention, partly due to its high-profile partnerships in the football world. In January 2023, the company secured a four-year deal with the Premier League, enabling it to release digital cards of players from all 20 clubs in the league. This agreement marked a milestone in Sorare’s expansion and bolstered its status as a major player in the fantasy sports market.

Additionally, Sorare holds partnerships with several major European leagues, club teams, and national teams, further establishing its presence in the sports gaming sector. The company’s success and growth have made the trial’s outcome particularly relevant for stakeholders in the iGaming and sports betting industries.

Trial Expected to Set a Precedent

The trial is scheduled to begin on 16 June 2025 and is expected to last seven days. The proceedings will serve as a critical test case, potentially reshaping how fantasy sports platforms and digital gaming services are regulated in the UK. Should the court side with the Gambling Commission, the decision could set a new precedent, requiring similar platforms to acquire gambling licenses to operate legally within the country.

Sorare’s defense hinges on its claim that its business model does not meet the criteria of gambling as outlined by UK law. The company maintains that the digital cards and fantasy football competitions offered on its platform do not constitute a form of wagering or betting. Sorare’s position is that its activities align more closely with collectible trading and sports fandom than traditional gambling.

Implications for the Industry

This case has sparked discussions among industry experts about the evolving definitions of gambling in the digital age. The distinction between skill-based fantasy sports platforms and gambling activities is increasingly blurred as new technologies and business models emerge. A ruling against Sorare could lead to stricter regulations for fantasy sports operators and prompt a reassessment of what constitutes gambling in the digital marketplace.

Sorare’s upcoming trial is more than a legal dispute; it’s a crucial moment that could influence the future of online fantasy sports and gambling regulation. While Sorare disputes the charges and defends its business model, the outcome of this case may set a precedent, impacting how fantasy sports platforms operate under UK law. As the trial approaches, both the industry and its players will be closely monitoring the developments, as the ruling could redefine digital sports gaming’s legal landscape in the UK and beyond.