Key facts
- The UK government is proposing a ban on unlicensed gambling companies sponsoring sports teams.
- The ban aims to protect vulnerable individuals and combat money laundering.
- Sponsorships on kits, stadium infrastructure, and pitch-side hoardings could be prohibited.
- The ban could take effect as early as August 2027, with a deadline of August 2028.
- Premier League clubs like Everton FC, Chelsea, Ipswich, and Fulham, as well as Formula One and the World Snooker Tour, could be impacted.
The UK government is proposing a ban on unlicensed gambling companies from sponsoring sports teams, a move that could significantly impact Premier League football clubs and Formula One. The proposed legislation, revealed by The Guardian and confirmed by the government, aims to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent sports from being exploited by organized crime for money laundering purposes.
The government has launched an eight-week consultation on the proposals, which could see a ban implemented as early as August 2027. This ban would cover various forms of sponsorship, including logos on team kits, stadium infrastructure, and pitch-side advertising.
Currently, sports teams can accept sponsorship from gambling companies that do not hold a UK Gambling Commission license, provided they do not accept bets from British consumers. However, the government has expressed concern that UK residents are accessing these unlicensed sites, often through virtual private networks, after being drawn in by advertising linked to sports like football.
Under the new proposals, commercial deals that are currently permissible would become criminal offenses. This could force clubs like Everton FC to terminate lucrative sponsorship agreements. Everton's sleeve sponsorship deal with Stake.com, a crypto casino without a Great Britain license, is understood to be worth at least £10 million and is slated to run until the end of the 2028/29 season. Stake.com has also previously sponsored the Sauber Formula One team.
Gambling minister Fiona Twycross acknowledged that while most sectors and sports would remain unaffected, some would face impacts. The proposed ban is distinct from the Premier League's voluntary decision to cease front-of-kit gambling advertisements from the 2026/27 season.
Beyond Everton, other Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Ipswich (both with 8Xbet) and Fulham (SBOTOP) also have partnerships with unlicensed gambling entities. Teams further down the football league system are also involved in similar arrangements. Formula One could also see future sponsorship deals affected, potentially requiring teams to remove decals for the British Grand Prix. The World Snooker Tour, sponsored by Sportsbet.io (which also lacks a UK license), could also be impacted.
The proposed ban does not extend to online partnerships, which would necessitate separate legislation. However, the government indicated it would consider this if deemed necessary.