UKGC vs Sorare Trial Set for June 2025
FOI disclosure reveals prosecution of NFT fantasy sports platform has been adjourned, delaying legal clarity on its status under UK gambling law.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed that the Gambling Commission's prosecution of NFT fantasy sports firm Sorare has been adjourned. A full trial is now scheduled for June 2025, extending the period of legal uncertainty over whether such platforms require a UK gambling licence.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure from the Gambling Commission has revealed that its prosecution of the NFT-based fantasy sports platform Sorare has been adjourned, with a full trial now scheduled to begin on 16 June 2025.
The information, released in response to a request dated 15 January 2025, provides an update on a hearing that took place at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 4 October 2024. The outcome confirms that the legal battle over whether Sorare's products constitute gambling will extend well into next year.
Why This Case Matters
Sorare's platform allows users to buy, sell, and trade digital player cards as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and use them in fantasy sports competitions to win prizes. The Gambling Commission has been investigating the company since 2021 to determine if its services amount to gambling that requires a UK licence.
This prosecution is a landmark case for the UK, as its outcome could set a significant precedent for how gambling legislation is applied to the growing number of platforms that blend gaming, fantasy sports, and blockchain technology. For consumers, the continued legal uncertainty means that platforms operating in this grey area may not offer the same protections as fully licensed gambling operators.
Key Details from the Disclosure
The FOI response confirms several key points about the ongoing legal proceedings:
- Adjournment and Trial Date: The hearing on 4 October 2024 did not conclude the matter. Instead, the case was adjourned for a full trial, which is set to commence on 16 June 2025.
- Legal Representation: The case involves high-profile legal counsel, indicating its significance. The Gambling Commission is represented by Philip Kolvin KC, and Sorare SAS is represented by Kwaku Awuku-Asabre.
- Case Management Hearing: The disclosure notes a Case Management hearing scheduled for 10 March 2024. This date precedes the main October 2024 hearing and may be a typographical error in the official response, with the intended date likely being in 2025.
- Information Withheld: The Commission declined to provide a full list of court attendees beyond the main legal representatives, citing section 40(2) of the FOIA. This exempts personal data where disclosure would be unfair and not serve a strong public interest.
- Particulars of Claim: The Commission stated that it does not hold a copy of the 'particulars of claim'. In criminal proceedings held at a Magistrates' Court, the charges are typically outlined in a charge sheet or summons rather than a civil 'particulars of claim', which may explain this response.
Significance for the Industry
The adjournment to mid-2025 means that the legal and regulatory ambiguity surrounding Sorare and similar NFT-based gaming products will persist. Operators, investors, and consumers will have to wait longer for a definitive ruling on where the line is drawn between a collectible digital asset and a product requiring a gambling licence.
The Gambling Commission has noted that it usually provides comments on its website once a case has concluded. Until then, the industry watches closely as this case slowly progresses toward a trial that will shape the future of digital entertainment and regulation in the UK.