On 26th of September, 2024, the UK Gambling Commission announced that it had brought charges against the football-themed website for providing facilities for gambling without holding an operating license. These alleged charges are in direct breach of to section 33(1), (4), and section 36(3), (3A) of the Gambling Act 2005.
The company entered its formal plea at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today (Friday October 4th) with the trial set for the summer of 2025 in the same court.
Charges read out before District Judge David Murray allege that France-based Sorare provided facilities for gambling by offering “a remote facility for gambling to consumers within Great Britain, without holding a license”.
Sorare.com Pleads Not Guilty to Unlicensed Gambling ChargesHowever, today, Sorare’s barrister told the court that the company believes it does not require a license from the Gambling Commission as UK users are not provided with the option to gamble.
In a statement issued last week, a Sorare.com spokesperson said of the charges:
“We are aware of the claims made by the Gambling Commission and have instructed our UK counsel to challenge them.
Sorare.com Pleads Not Guilty to Unlicensed Gambling ChargesThe commission has misunderstood our business and wrongly determined that gambling laws apply to Sorare. We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are under way.”
What is Sorare?
Sorare.com Pleads Not Guilty to Unlicensed Gambling ChargesLike traditional fantasy soccer, participants create a lineup each week, earning points based on the real-life performance of professional soccer players.
Sorare.com Pleads Not Guilty to Unlicensed Gambling Charges