Betting firm logos could be banned from sports shirts in the biggest cash shake-up in almost two decades, it is reported.
Football, snooker, darts, boxing and rugby league could all be hit in the move to protect vulnerable and problem gamblers.
The government launched a consultation on gambling laws in December which will close on March 31.
It is looking at the “benefits or harms” of allowing gambling adverts and sponsorship on team kits.
It also asks campaigners for “any additional evidence the government should consider” to help vulnerable groups.
The Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) emphasised no decisions had been made.
But civil servants have warned sports industry figures they are considering a sponsorship crackdown, according to the Sunday Times.
It would be the biggest cash change since tobacco ads were banned in the early 2000s, hitting Premier League and Championship teams’ finances to the tune of £110m a year, the newspaper reported.
It comes after Labour and Conservative MPs teamed up to demand stricter controls, particularly on online gambling sites.
Campaigning Labour MP Carolyn Harris told the Mirror a blanket ban on sports sponsorship by gambling firms has “got to happen”.
But she urged the government to go further, with further affordability checks and a complete end to newly-reformed ‘VIP schemes.’
She said: “It’s such a wide-ranging issue they can’t just put a sticking plaster on one thing and hope the rest will go away”.
A Survation poll for the Clean Up Gambling group this month found 51% back banning all advertising, sponsorship and promotion for gambling firms. Just 21% disagreed while the rest gave no opinion either way.
Clean Up Gambling director Matt Zarb-Cousin said: “Footballers, darts players, snooker players and rugby players are like walking billboards for gambling companies.
“The evidence shows this sort of advertising is impacting negatively on children who are growing up thinking you have to put on a bet to enjoy sport.”
It is thought the government could go further than kit sponsorship but a White Paper is not expected until late this year.
A DCMS spokesman said: “We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they are fit for the digital age and a public call for evidence is open for contributions.
"We are determined to tackle problem gambling in all its forms and the work will build upon our strong track record of introducing measures to protect those at risk.
“No decisions have been taken."
