A recent report revealed the places targeted around the United Kingdom in an escalated effort to combat the use of ‘dodgy’ Amazon firesticks to unlawfully broadcast live sporting events, such as EFL fixtures in the 2025/26 season.

The authorities have taken a tougher stance in recent years to combat the problem, while the market for Amazon Firesticks embedded with software that allows customers to illegally access live sporting events for a fraction of the cost of a yearly Sky Sports subscription, for example, continues to grow.

However, it is a costly crime that, according to a research by the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence, costs the country’s economy almost £7 billion. Police, government officials, and television rights holders are all working to minimize the amount of illicit streams using chipped firesticks, and it has been widely reported that households found in possession of a jailbroken device may face large fines if detected.

A number of places in the United Kingdom have been targeted in an ongoing effort to combat the ever-increasing use of jailbroken firesticks, according to a new update.

17 UK localities targeted in crackdown on ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks.

According to a recent Daily Record report, up to 17 areas across the United Kingdom are being targeted in a new crackdown on illegal firesticks, as authorities work to restore law and order in how EFL supporters and the general public access live streaming of football matches, alternative sporting events, films, and other content.

In the South of England, London, Kent, and Sussex have all been targeted in the new crackdown, while supporters of Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Newport County should be aware that South Wales is also being investigated by the police.

The Midlands appear to be receiving special attention, with the East and West Midlands, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Staffordshire all targeted, as well as Norfolk.

Moving north, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Northumbria, North Yorkshire, as well as North East and North West England, have all been identified as targets in the new campaign.

Despite the possibility of up to £50,000 in fines, people continue to modify and sell devices, as well as buy them at a high price, forcing officials to execute a nationwide operation.

How the UK public feels about ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks following a crackdown update

The risk of receiving sanctions such as fines or even imprisonment, despite an increased effort to raise awareness of the illegal matter of using a ‘dodgy’ firestick, has not deterred many customers or helped to change popular beliefs surrounding the subject, as the New Sport Industry Report 2026 found that 58% of fans and 66% of industry professionals say it is “socially acceptable” to engage in ‘dodgy’ streaming services.

This comes after alternative study revealed that no fewer than four million people in the UK used an illicit gadget to view live sport alone in 2023, with EFL fans undoubtedly contributing to that figure.

However, as subscription and match ticket prices continue to face criticism from fans, many believe they have no choice but to look for alternative – although illegal – means to watch their side play.

The EFL now has additional coverage because to a recent agreement with Sky Sports, which will see more than 1,000 EFL-related events shown on mainstream television or Sky Sports+, but the market for illegal firesticks remains strong.

You have to ask if lowering subscription and ticketing fees is the greatest way to limit the output of illicit streaming devices while also correcting collective public attitudes toward the problem, given that the authorities’ mission has yet to make too many changes.