Fantasy sports crypto platform Sorare has pleaded not guilty to UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) charges of operating unlicensed gambling in the UK.
The charges relate to its core offering, a fantasy football platform based around NFTs, where users collect and trade player cards to assemble virtual teams.
Sorare has partnered with prominent sports leagues and clubs, including the Premier League and Serie A, to facilitate the creation of these digital cards, adding to its credibility within the sports world.
However, the UKGC has accused the company of breaching the Gambling Act 2005 by “providing facilities for gambling without holding an operating licence.”
In response, Sorare issued a statement acknowledging the claims and expressing its intent to challenge them in court. The company asserted: “The Commission has misunderstood our business and wrongly determined that gambling laws apply to Sorare. We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are underway.”
On 4 October, Sorare reiterated its position by formally pleading not guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court. A pre-trial hearing is set for 10 March 2025, with the full trial scheduled to begin on 16 June.
Sorare’s platform allows users to manage a virtual team by purchasing digital player cards using cryptocurrency. The UKGC initially began investigating the French company in 2021 to assess whether it needed a licence to offer its services in the UK, leading to the current legal battle.
