Ministers are considering a ban on unlicensed gambling companies sponsoring Premier League clubs. The move follows controversies involving explicit promotions, weak anti-money-laundering controls and alleged organised crime links.
Several clubs, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display brands linked to offshore casinos or bookmakers. Many of these firms do not hold a British licence.
Premier League teams have already agreed to remove gambling logos from the front of shirts after this season. The voluntary deal will not cover sleeve sponsors or other commercial partnerships. Unlicensed operators could still gain exposure if they avoid targeting UK customers.
The government has opened a consultation on a full ban. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said clubs should not promote companies that fail to meet British regulatory standards. She warned that such deals could direct fans toward unsafe gambling platforms.
Everton’s partnership with Stake.com has drawn the most scrutiny. The agreement reportedly earns the club £10m a year. Regulators previously examined the company’s use of cryptocurrency betting while it held a UK licence. The club also forced it to drop a high-risk promotional campaign.
Stake later surrendered its licence during a Gambling Commission investigation into its marketing activity. Despite that, it continues to sponsor Everton.
Several other sponsors entered the league through the Isle of Man firm TGP Europe. The regulator fined TGP £3.3m for inadequate checks on partners and anti-money-laundering failures. The company has since left the British market.
Its exit means brands linked to Wolves, Fulham and Burnley no longer hold licences in Great Britain. A total ban would block these firms from sleeve deals and other sponsorships that remain possible under current rules.
