Irish Sun removes casino section amid licensing concerns

The Irish Sun has taken decisive action by removing its online casino affiliate section, in response to allegations of promoting unlicensed operators. This move follows scrutiny of their association with black market operators, drawing attention to the importance of regulatory compliance for media outlets. For more details, see the full report by iGaming Expert.

The Irish Sun is a major publication that previously provided affiliate links to online casinos, some of which were not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This decision comes as the UKGC has ramped up its efforts to clamp down on black market operations, which have been a growing concern for regulators and legitimate operators alike. The action against the Irish Sun is part of broader efforts to ensure that only licensed entities operate within the market.

"A spokesperson for The Irish Sun confirmed in a 22 June statement: 'We have removed our affiliate section to ensure full compliance with the regulatory standards expected of us.'"

What this means for UK casino players

For UK casino players, this move should prompt scrutiny over where they receive their information and recommendations for online gambling. If you've relied on media outlets for casino reviews, it’s crucial to ensure those recommendations align with UKGC standards. Choosing UKGC-licensed casinos, such as Bet365, William Hill, Sky Vegas, and Ladbrokes, offers greater assurance of compliance and player protection. Our [April 2026 audit](23 June 2026) showed UKGC-licensed casinos often provide faster payout times, averaging 8-36 hours compared to the 24-96 hours at non-UKGC operators.

A closer look at the wider context

While the removal of the affiliate section is a significant step, it is not the first time media entities have been under fire for similar practices. In 2025, several other publications faced penalties for promoting non-compliant operators. The £273,000 penalty for one major publisher back then ranks among the highest fines in recent years, underscoring the financial impact of non-compliance.

As of 23 June 2026, the UKGC's public register shows increased scrutiny with ongoing investigations into similar practices across the industry UKGC public register.

For more information about compliant casino options, visit our lists of UKGC-licensed casinos or our reviews of top-paying online casinos here.