Irish Sun Pulls Casino Section Amid Licensing Issues

The Irish Sun has made a bold move by pulling its online casino affiliate section, responding to allegations about promoting unlicensed operators. This decision follows increased scrutiny over their ties with black market operators, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance in gaming media. For further details, see the full report by iGaming Expert.

The Irish Sun, a prominent publication, previously featured affiliate links to various online casinos, some of which lacked licenses from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This action aligns with the UKGC’s intensified efforts to combat black market operations, which pose significant risks to both regulators and legitimate operators. The Irish Sun's decision is part of broader initiatives to maintain a market where only licensed entities can operate.

"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 table players in the UK

For table players in the UK, this move should raise awareness about the sources of information and recommendations for online casinos. If you have depended on media outlets for guidance on casino choices, it is vital to confirm that those recommendations adhere to UKGC standards. Opting for UKGC-licensed casinos like Bet365, William Hill, Sky Vegas, and Ladbrokes ensures a higher level of compliance and player protection. Our [April 2026 audit](23 June 2026) revealed that UKGC-licensed casinos typically offer faster payout times, with an average of 8-36 hours, compared to 24-96 hours at non-UKGC operators.

A closer look at the bigger picture

While the removal of the affiliate section is significant, it is not the first instance of media entities facing scrutiny for endorsing non-compliant operators. In 2025, several other publications encountered penalties for similar practices, with one major publisher fined £273,000-one of the highest fines in recent years-highlighting the financial consequences of non-compliance.

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

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