Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 41783 on Bet365, what enforcement measures the Gambling Commission has considered in relation to Bet365’s operations in China.

An assessment of which regulatory actions may be appropriate in a compliance case is for the Gambling Commission to make. The Commission expects licensed operators to obey the laws of all other jurisdictions in which they operate, such as China, and requires them to report any regulatory investigation or finding into their activities in any other jurisdiction.

There are a variety of ways that the Commission can deal with non-compliance by licensees, ranging from enhanced compliance procedures and regulatory settlements to licence reviews and formal enforcement action. The Commission also has powers to launch criminal investigations and bring criminal proceedings against companies and individuals. Where a licensee is found to be operating illegally in another jurisdiction, the Commission may also consider their suitability to hold a licence to offer gambling services in Britain. However, it is for authorities in other jurisdictions to enforce their own gambling laws.