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 and regulatory concerns.
Several top-flight teams, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display brands linked to online casinos or bookmakers without a British licence. Clubs have already agreed to remove gambling logos from the front of shirts after this season. That voluntary move will not cover sleeve sponsorships or other commercial deals.
The proposed ban would close that loophole. It would stop unlicensed operators from using club partnerships to promote their brands, even if they claim to target only overseas customers.
The government warned that some of these companies follow weak regulatory standards and fail to protect vulnerable gamblers. Ministers also raised concerns about possible links to organised crime.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said it was wrong for unlicensed firms to raise their profile through major football clubs while operating outside UK rules.
Everton’s partnership with Stake has attracted the most attention. The deal is reportedly worth £10m a year. The company previously faced scrutiny over cryptocurrency betting and controversial online promotions. It later surrendered its UK licence but continued its sponsorship.
Several gambling brands entered English football through the Isle of Man-based white-label provider TGP Europe. Regulators fined the company £3.3m for anti-money laundering failures and inadequate checks on partners. TGP has since left the British market, leaving multiple club sponsors without a licence.
A full ban would block these companies from all sponsorship routes in the Premier League, including sleeve deals and other commercial agreements.
