British Sports Minister Richard Caborn said Thursday that the government's Gambling Commission will investigate whether such sponsorships are allowed under laws that prohibit the targeting of children by gambling advertisements.

Premier League clubs Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Tottenham are all sponsored by Internet betting firms.

``There is a grey area at the moment and the inquiry is to see whether it should be allowed,'' Caborn said. ``The question is whether that, given the coverage of Premiership football on television, whether such shirt sponsorship should be regarded as advertising on TV.''

The commission will look at the issue early next year.