Stake May Lose Partnership with Everton Amid UK Government Plans

^{Fiona Twycross, UK Gambling Minister}

The UK government plans to restrict sponsorship agreements between sports clubs and offshore gambling operators, according to a statement published on the official government website.

The announcement marks the launch of a public consultation on a potential ban on sponsorship by unlicensed operators. The initiative is aimed at tackling the illegal gambling market.

The statement said offshore bookmakers and online casinos do not comply with requirements in force in the United Kingdom, including mandatory financial vulnerability checks and responsible advertising standards. It also highlighted risks related to the protection of personal data.

Several English Premier League clubs currently maintain partnerships with operators that do not hold UK licences. These include Bournemouth (BJ88), Burnley (96.com), Crystal Palace (NET88), Everton (Stake), Fulham (SBOTOP), Sunderland (W88) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (DEBET).

Such agreements are permitted under existing legislation, which allows clubs to enter into sponsorship deals with offshore companies provided they do not offer services to consumers in the UK.

However, the government said the high visibility of unlicensed brands could encourage consumers to migrate to websites operating outside the jurisdiction of the UK regulator.

Gambling minister Fiona Twycross said the consultation would form part of the government’s broader efforts to combat the illegal gambling market.

Earlier, Gambling park reported that UK set to launch its first prediction markets platform.