UK to crack down on unlicensed casinos sponsoring football teams
The UK government is launching a consultation to restrict unlicensed gambling companies from sponsoring professional football teams. This follows criticism of Everton FC's recent deal with a crypto casino, which proceeded despite warnings from the Gambling Commission.
Why it matters
The move reflects growing political pressure to regulate the intersection of sports, crypto-gambling, and offshore financial entities.
Everton FC signed a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with Stake.com. Everton FC signed a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with Stake.com. Gambling UK to crack down on unlicensed casinos sponsoring football teams Exclusive: Government to launch consultation after Everton’s deal with Stake.com went ahead amid Gambling Commission warnings
Prefer the Guardian on Google Ministers are poised to crack down on unlicensed casinos sponsoring British sports teams amid criticism that a delay to the proposals has opened the door for offshore gambling firms to strike lucrative deals with Premier League clubs.
Progress with plans to kick unlicensed gambling operators out of football has stalled since February, when the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said a review would begin in the spring.
The consultation will be launched this week, well-placed sources told the Guardian.
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