Entain Urges Premier League Clubs to Drop Deals

Entain has contacted 10 Premier League clubs, calling on them to end commercial relationships with gambling operators that do not hold a UK licence.

The clubs named in Entain’s letters are Fulham, Everton, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. The gambling operators linked to the arrangements include SBOTOP, Stake, 8XBet, FUN88, VSBet and Chexx.bet.

The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral sent the letters as the UK government considers whether unlicensed gambling companies should be prohibited from sponsoring British sports. The consultation on the issue closed on September 9.

Charles Kovats, Entain’s Group Deputy General Counsel, wrote in the letter:

“Everton’s association with Stake.com is particularly at odds with the Prime Minister’s longstanding 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.”

Of the operators identified, 8XBet has the largest sponsorship footprint, with links to five of the clubs. Entain has raised concerns about the company’s growing presence in English football and confirmed that one of its representatives was able to attempt opening an account.

Using a VPN connected to Vietnam, the Entain representative successfully created an account in less than five minutes.

The Premier League has opposed possible restrictions on these sponsorship arrangements, arguing that the agreements provide significant financial contributions to clubs. The UK government is expected to reach a final decision after the current consultation process concludes.