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 weak anti-money-laundering controls, links to organised crime and explicit online promotions.
Several top-flight teams, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display brands tied to offshore casinos or bookmakers. These companies do not hold British licences.
Clubs have already agreed to remove all gambling logos from the front of shirts after this season. The voluntary move will not cover sleeve deals or other partnerships. Unlicensed firms could still gain exposure through those routes.
The government now wants to close that gap. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said it was wrong for unlicensed operators to promote themselves through major clubs while operating outside UK rules. Ministers also warned that weaker regulation leaves vulnerable gamblers without protection.
Everton’s partnership with Stake has drawn the most attention. The deal is reportedly worth £10m a year. The company previously faced scrutiny over cryptocurrency betting and controversial online marketing. It later surrendered its UK licence but continues to sponsor the club.
Many of these brands entered English football through the Isle of Man firm TGP Europe. The Gambling Commission fined the company £3.3m for failures in partner checks and money-laundering safeguards. TGP has since left the British market.
As a result, sponsors linked to Wolves, Fulham and Burnley no longer hold licences in Great Britain. A full ban would block them from sleeve sponsorships and other commercial agreements.
