Unlicensed gambling firms could be barred from sponsoring Premier League clubs
The Premier League may ban unlicensed gambling firms from sponsorship deals due to concerns over money laundering, organized crime, and vulnerable gamblers.Summary
The Premier League is considering barring unlicensed gambling firms from sponsoring clubs following controversies involving pornographic videos, anti-money laundering failures, and links to organized crime. While clubs have pledged to end front-of-shirt gambling deals with licensed operators, a loophole remained for unlicensed firms promising not to serve UK consumers. The government is now consulting on a total ban on these operators, citing concerns about lax regulation and potential harm to vulnerable gamblers. Everton’s deal with Stake.com, which continued despite the company giving up its UK license after scrutiny over cryptocurrency betting and controversial promotions, has been a focal point of the debate. Several firms previously operated through TGP Europe, which also exited the British market after failing anti-money laundering checks, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive ban to prevent continued sponsorship through alternative avenues like sleeve deals.
(Source：The Guardian)