Entain Calls for Trademark Block on Illegal Operators

United Kingdom.- June 12, 2026 www.zonadeazar.com Entain Group has urged the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to review its trademark registration process after discovering that several unlicensed gambling operators have secured UK trademark protection despite lacking a valid gambling licence.

The company found that 14 out of 18 gambling brands reviewed did not hold a valid UK Gambling Commission licence while allegedly serving British consumers.

⚖️ Closing a Regulatory Gap

Entain argues that while operating gambling services without a licence is a criminal offence under UK law, those same operators can still register trademarks and benefit from the legitimacy such registrations provide.

The company proposed measures including:

✅ Licence verification before trademark approval.

✅ Public-interest assessments for gambling-related applications.

✅ Stronger safeguards against illegal operators using intellectual property protections.

🏛️ IPO Response

The IPO confirmed that it is reviewing the proposals but noted that current trademark law focuses on the characteristics of the trademark itself rather than the conduct of the applicant.

🚨 Wider Campaign Against Illegal Gambling

The move forms part of Entain’s broader campaign against unlicensed gambling operators. Earlier this year, the company also urged football regulators to prevent English clubs from accepting sponsorship deals from operators lacking UK licences.

The issue comes amid growing concerns over the UK’s black-market gambling sector, estimated to generate around £4.3 billion annually.

Edited by: @_fonta