Explained! Why Gambling Sponsors Are Allowed in The Hundred 2026?

The Hundred 2026 is about to begin in a few days but the tournament has already started facing issues. Some of the teams taking part in the tournament haven't been able to secure their shirt sponsors so far.

In total, eight teams will take part in The Hundred 2026, several of which have rebranded their names following the takeover by IPL franchises. However, the allowance of gambling sponsors have taken everyone by surprise given that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have strict rules for it.

Why Gambling Sponsors Are Allowed in The Hundred 2026?

According to The Telegraph, the ECB, which is one of the richest cricket board in the world, have allowed the gambling sponsors for The Hundred this year after several teams didn't find any jersey sponsors. Since just a few days are remaining for the start, the ECB had no other option to take a different direction and allow gambling sponsors in The Hundred.

Out of the eight participating teams, three are yet to find a front-of-shirt sponsor. One team has almost signed a deal but the remaining two don't have any agreement. As a result, The Hundred board has decided to allow gambling companies to be a part of this deal.

This deal will only be applicable for this year as The Hundred has decided to ban gambling companies from 2027. The deal must comply with the Code of Conduct on Sponsorship agreements with these firms. The kits for the fans will be available without a sponsor logo.

The Hundred board consists of the ECB and the representatives of the eight teams that are taking part in it. Some of these teams have IPL owners after the ECB decided to sell stakes to the private investors.

Gambling Sponsors Banned From The Hundred 2027

Although they have been allowed for this season, ECB rules on gambling sponsors will go strict from next season. The decision to ban the Gambling sponsors from The Hundred 2027 has been already taken in the board meeting recently. But since the tournament is starting soon, they have decided to allow those sponsors in 2026.

The logo will be automatically removd for players aged below 18, the logo. Moreover, the logo of a gambling sponsor won't appear on children's replica shirts. These decisions were taken to keep the tournament family-friendly and maintain its reputation as one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world.

There is already the presence of gambling companies in the jerseys of County teams. Sussex is amongst those teams as they have a partner named Dafabet, a Filipino betting firm. Despite all these developments, the ECB is confident that every team will start with a jersey sponsorship deal before the start of the tournament.