Unlicensed gambling companies could lose the right to sponsor Premier League clubs under new government plans. Ministers launched a consultation after a series of controversies involving some overseas operators.
Several top-flight teams, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display brands linked to online casinos or bookmakers without British licences. Clubs have already agreed to remove all gambling sponsors from the front of shirts after this season. That voluntary move will not cover sleeve deals or other partnerships.
The proposed ban would close that gap. It would stop unlicensed firms from using any commercial tie-ups to promote their brands through English football. The government warned that some of these operators work under weak regulation and may expose vulnerable gamblers to harm. Officials also raised concerns about possible links to organised crime.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said it was wrong for unlicensed companies to boost their profile through major clubs. She argued that fans could be drawn toward sites that fail to meet UK safety standards.
Everton’s partnership with Stake.com has drawn particular scrutiny. The deal is reportedly worth £10m a year. The company previously faced questions over cryptocurrency betting while it still held a British licence. It later lost that licence after a Gambling Commission investigation into its marketing activity, but the sponsorship remains in place.
Many of the firms entered the market through TGP Europe, an Isle of Man “white label” provider. Regulators fined the company £3.3m for anti-money laundering failures and inadequate checks on partners. TGP has since withdrawn from the UK, leaving its associated sponsors without licences.
A full ban would prevent those companies from switching to sleeve sponsorships or other branding deals.
