Unlicensed gambling companies could lose the right to sponsor Premier League clubs under new government plans. Ministers launched a consultation after controversies involving pornography, anti-money-laundering failures and alleged organised-crime links.
Several top clubs, 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 front-of-shirt gambling sponsors after this season. That voluntary move will still allow sleeve deals and other partnerships.
The government now wants a full ban on unlicensed operators in football sponsorship. Ministers warned that some firms work under weak regulation and fail to protect vulnerable gamblers.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said these sponsors should not promote themselves through major clubs. She argued that such exposure could direct fans to unsafe betting platforms.
Everton’s agreement with Stake, reportedly worth £10m a year, has drawn the most scrutiny. The company previously held a UK licence but faced criticism over cryptocurrency betting and controversial promotions. It later surrendered its licence but continued to sponsor the club.
Many of the brands entered the market through white-label provider TGP Europe. Regulators fined the company £3.3m for anti-money-laundering breaches and inadequate checks on partners. TGP has since left the British market, leaving its associated sponsors without licences.
A total ban would close remaining loopholes. It would stop unlicensed firms from securing sleeve sponsorships or other commercial links with Premier League clubs.
