Remote workers warned: Entering Euro 2024 sweepstakes could lead to fines or jail

Remote office workers who participate in sweepstakes during Euro 2024 have been warned that they could be violating the law, potentially facing hefty fines or even imprisonment.

The tournament kicks off in Munich on Friday evening with hosts Germany squaring off against Scotland in the opening match. England will then face Serbia in their first game of the competition on Sunday night.

The Three Lions' squad was announced last week by manager Gareth Southgate, with notable absences including Manchester City's Jack Grealish, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Tottenham's James Maddison.

Newcomers to the tournament include Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Anthony Gordon. However, the team will sorely miss centre-back Harry Maguire, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury.

Many people across the country will be organising a sweepstake, a form of gambling where each participant pays a small entry fee and is assigned a competitor before the tournament begins.

Sweepstakes are popular during events such as the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in horse racing, the World Cup/Euros, and even Wimbledon, with a large number of competitors participating in each event.

If an individual's chosen team triumphs in the event, they can claim their prize, typically a portion of the funds raised through everyone's participation. While many adults have participated in such activities at some point, most are unaware that their involvement could potentially be unlawful.

Felix Faulkner, a solicitor at gambling licensing firm Poppleston Allen, warns that remote workers could face legal issues if they participate this summer due to the Gambling Act 2005. Implemented in April that year, it shifted the responsibility for gambling licensing from magistrates' courts to local authorities (specifically unitary authorities, and the councils of metropolitan borough, non-metropolitan district and London boroughs) and also established the Gambling Commission - the UK government's gambling regulator.

Essentially, the draw must take place in person at the business premises, not online or across multiple offices. This means that if you're working from home, you should refrain from participating unless you're able or willing to physically go into the office to comply with the Gambling Commission's guidelines on fundraising, raffles, and lotteries regulations.

A spokesperson for Poppleston Allen stated: "Ultimately, it is a criminal offence to run an illegal lottery and you could face prosecution. The maximum punishment for breaches is 51 weeks in prison or a £5,000 fine."