Entain has reached out to ten Premier League clubs, urging them to cease any commercial partnerships with illegal gambling operators lacking a UK license. The clubs contacted include Fulham, Everton, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace. The illegal operators in question are SBOTOP, Stake, 8XBet, FUN88, VSBet, and Chexx.bet.
As the UK government considers a potential ban on sponsorships from unlicensed gambling firms, Entain, the parent company of Ladbrokes and Coral, has taken this step following the closure of a consultation on September 9.
In a letter from Charles Kovats, Entain’s Group Deputy General Counsel, he highlighted the discord between Everton’s association with Stake.com and the Prime Minister’s known support for the club. "It seems unimaginable that, having made his government’s opposition to unlicensed gambling agreements clear, Andy Burnham would become a billboard for unregulated gaming by wearing the club’s current strip," Kovats stated.
Among the illegal sponsors, 8XBet has the broadest reach, partnering with five clubs. Entain pointed out that 8XBet is gaining traction in English football, having confirmed a representative was able to open an account quickly while using a VPN linked to Vietnam.
Despite these concerns, the Premier League has resisted any outright ban, asserting that such sponsorships are crucial for the financial sustenance of clubs, though the government’s final decision is expected after the current consultations conclude.
