FIFA’s decision to allow games from the 2026 World Cup to be streamed live by betting companies has already sparked a backlash at Westminster.
MPs have voiced their concerns just three days after world football’s governing body announced a streaming rights deal with distributor Stats Perform.
That collaboration opens the door for legalised betting companies to stream live games from various official FIFA tournaments.
The deal includes the 2026 World Cup and other FIFA competitions being played over the next four years.
A ‘Step In The Wrong Direction’
In a session of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on Thursday, MP’s questioned whether this was a “step in the wrong direction” in the face of the UK government’s crackdown on exposure to gambling and its potential harms.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a range of increased tax levies on the UK betting industry in her autumn Budget.
The purpose of that is to raise funds which can be put towards social causes.
Premier League clubs have already agreed to a self-imposed ban on front-of-shirt sponsorships by gambling companies.
That comes into force at the start of next season, though won’t affect shirt sleeves or shorts.
Increasing The Risks Of Gambling Harm
Alex Ballinger, Labour MP for Halesowen, referred to FIFA’s announcement as he expressed his concern.
“This week FIFA announced a four-year partnership so that gambling platforms can stream world cup games on UK websites for the first time,” he said.
“Football fans are already heavily exposed to gambling advertising, and the Government have confirmed that there is clear evidence linking gambling advertising to harm.
“As the Premier League has agreed to remove gambling adverts from the front of shirts this year, does the Minister share my concern that the livestreaming of World Cup games on gambling sites is a step in the wrong direction and can perpetuate further gambling harm?”
Protecting Those At Risk
Ian Murray, the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, responded on behalf of the DCMS.
“There are two ways to answer that question,” he said.
“The first is with regard to exposure to the World Cup itself.
“I want as many World Cup games as possible to be on free-to-air television.
“When Scotland qualified for the World Cup, it was on the BBC and brought the whole nation together, which is what the World Cup should do for every nation that has qualified.
“Secondly, on exposure to gambling, we are committed to strengthening measures to protect those at risk, including the gambling levy [being introduced on April 1 this year].
“Twenty per cent of that £120 million will go towards making sure that we have the proper research to build on.”
Murray promised to consider the issue with Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock MP and provide an update later.
Gambling Advertising During Football On TV
Shockat Adam, Independent MP for Leicester South, referred to a televised Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolves.
Erling Haaland scored twice in City’s 4-0 win at Molineux at the start of the season.
But Adam wanted to highlight that the TV coverage exposed “over 5,000 visible gambling ads during the game”.
“Gambling destroys lives and is responsible for close to 500 suicides a year,” he said.
Murray repeated the fact that Premier League clubs were banning front of shirt sponsorship from the start of next season.
He stated that there are already rules in place to prevent advertising that would appeal to children.
Murray also confirmed that the government is “looking at the issue very seriously.”
World Cup Games Free On BBC And ITV
It will surely be just football fans who are interested in betting who will follow the games on gambling platforms.
The rest of the population can watch the World Cup on both the BBC and ITV, the free-to-air public channels.
That is possible thanks to the Broadcasting Act 1996 which lists sporting events of national interest which have to be freely available.
These protected ‘White Ribbon’ events include the World Cup, the FA Cup final and the Olympic Games.
The Secretary of State oversees the list to prevent subscription TV services from acquiring exclusive rights.
