Everton FC's main shirt sponsor Stake.uk.com will lose its UK gambling license next month, following an investigation by the Gambling Commission, potentially forcing an early end to their sponsorship agreement.
Everton Faces Sponsorship Crisis as Stake Loses UK License
The regulatory body announced that TGP Europe Limited, which operates Stake.uk.com through a white-label arrangement, will cease operations in Great Britain by March 11, 2025. The decision comes after an investigation into promotional content featuring an adult actress outside Nottingham Trent University.
The Gambling Commission will be writing to Everton, along with two other unnamed football clubs with unlicensed sponsors, warning of the legal risks associated with promoting unlawful gambling websites. Club officers could face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment if found promoting unlicensed gambling operations to British consumers.
Gambling brands are already set to be banned from front-of-shirt placement in the Premier League from the 2026-27 season.
The clubs will need to demonstrate to the Commission that they have:
- Conducted proper due diligence on white label partners
- Verified effective geo-blocking measures
- Ensured British consumers cannot access unlicensed sites
- Implemented sufficient protective measures
Stake.uk.com has already stopped accepting new registrations and will remove redirection links from their main website.
Should Everton end its deal with Stake? Let us know in the comments below.