Unlicensed Casino Sponsorships May Be Banned in UK Sports from 2027
Unlicensed casinos could face a ban on sponsoring sports teams in the UK beginning next year, a development that raises financial concerns for Premier League clubs such as Everton FC and sports including Formula One.
The government confirmed plans on Wednesday to introduce a ban aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and reducing the risk of organised crime groups using sport for money laundering.
Ministers have initiated a consultation process that could result in the ban taking effect as early as August 2027. The ban would cover sponsorship logos on team kits, stadium infrastructure, and pitch-side advertising hoardings.
Currently, regulations do not prevent sports teams from accepting sponsorship from gambling companies that lack a UK Gambling Commission licence, provided they do not accept bets from British consumers.
However, the government expressed concern that UK residents are accessing unlicensed gambling sites through virtual private networks (VPNs), often attracted by advertising linked to football.
Under the proposed rules, commercial agreements currently permitted would become criminal offences.
Impact on Premier League Clubs and Other Sports
One notable example is the sleeve sponsorship deal signed in June between Everton FC and Stake.com, a cryptocurrency casino without a licence to operate in Great Britain.
Everton pursued this agreement, reportedly worth at least £10 million, despite a government warning in February about a potential crackdown on unlicensed gambling sponsorships.
The club now faces the possibility of terminating the deal prematurely, which is scheduled to run for three years until the end of the 2028/29 season.
The government stated that the ban would be implemented no later than August 2028, and possibly as early as August 2027, meaning Everton could lose sponsorship revenue for at least one year of the contract.
“We believe that, although most sectors and sports will be unaffected, some sports or clubs will be impacted,” said the gambling minister, Fiona Twycross.
This proposed ban is distinct from the voluntary decision by Premier League clubs to cease gambling advertisements on the front of match-day kits starting with the 2026/27 season.
Everton, whose prominent supporters include the vocal gambling industry critic and likely next prime minister Andy Burnham, is not the only club potentially affected by the government’s plans.
Other Premier League clubs with unlicensed gambling sponsors include Chelsea and Ipswich Town, both partnered with 8Xbet, and Fulham, sponsored by SBOTOP. Numerous clubs further down the football pyramid have similar arrangements.
Potential Effects on Formula One and Other Sports
Formula One could also be impacted. Stake.com has previously sponsored the Sauber team. Any future deals of this nature may require teams to remove gambling sponsor decals during the British Grand Prix.
The World Snooker Tour is sponsored by Sportsbet.io, another operator without a licence to serve customers in Great Britain.
The proposed ban does not extend to online partnerships, which would require separate legislation. The government indicated it would consider additional measures if necessary.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by any of the gambling companies mentioned.
has reached out to Everton FC, Chelsea FC, Ipswich Town FC, Fulham FC, Formula One, the World Snooker Tour, 8Xbet, Stake.com, SBOTOP, and Sportsbet.io for comment.
