Britons have been warned their World Cup office sweepstakes could be illegal in a notice from the Gambling Commission.With just hours remaining until the tournament begins, the body issued a reminder of workplace gambling guidance, warning would-be players not to "score an own goal in your workplace sweepstake".The watchdog has reminded people they must work in the same place and that any money must be used to "raise money for good causes, or just for fun" for it to be legal.But critics have blasted the watchdog as the "fun police" after it warned that no "profit" can be made.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayTickets also cannot be sold online, on email, or over the phone, with physical tickets required to be provided to people playing."Proceeds must either be used for reasonable expenses and prizes, or donated to charity," the Gambling Commission thundered.Critics said the watchdog should be tackling larger problems around Britain's gambling industry rather than interfering in low-stakes office fun.Former England star Michael Owen told The Sun: "Office sweepstakes have been part of the fun for generations."The idea that colleagues having a small flutter with each other could be treated as a regulatory concern feels completely out of touch."And Tory Shadow Culture Minister Louie French said: "The commission should be focused on where the risks of harm are greatest to consumers, such as the organised illegal gambling black market - not worrying over who has the bragging rights in the friends' group chat when England win the World Cup."One industry source said the commission should be focused on tackling a growing illegal gambling market instead."The Gambling Commission should concentrate on what really matters to punters in this country. The fun police have gone too far," another industry source said.LATEST ON THE WORLD CUP:England send warning to World Cup rivals with professional victory over Costa RicaFIFA chief Gianni Infantino speaks out on Somali referee debacle: 'Chill and relax'Somali referee barred from US over 'links to suspected terror group members', White House revealsEmployment lawyers have also issued warnings over office sweepstakes, cautioning that employers' engagement with the low-stakes activity could create friction at work.Hunters Law partner Clare Brennan told City AM: "From an employment law perspective, the risk with office sweepstakes isnt so much the activity itself, but how it plays out in practice."Employers need to be mindful of things like inclusion, pressure to participate, and how any disputes are handled."And David Greenhalgh, an employment partner at Excello Law, warned the activity could "increase the risk of conflicts between groups supporting different teams"."The further that England hopefully get into the championship, the greater the chance there is of nationality divides becoming an issue in the workplace, especially given the level of banter which a sweepstake is bound to encourage," he added.The Gambling Commission said: "Our guidance is intended to help people understand the legal distinction between informal sweepstakes and lotteries, and to ensure activities are run fairly and in line with the law."The guidance does not introduce any new rules. It explains the existing legal framework so that people can make informed decisions."Providing clear information to consumers and organisers is an important part of the Gambling Commission's role."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter