Everton’s front-of-shirt sponsor, online betting company Stake, has decided to exit the UK market following a Gambling Commission investigation into an ad featuring adult film star Bonnie Blue.
π₯ Controversial Ad Sparks Backlash
The probe was triggered by a social media video filmed outside Nottingham Trent University, where Bonnie Blue claimed she was there to “sleep with 180 barely-legal 18-year-olds” while Stakeβs logo appeared on screen.
β οΈ Campaigners urged the UK government to intervene, arguing the ad promoted gambling to young people using explicit content.
π Gambling Commission Issues Warning
The Gambling Commission has:
πΉ Warned Everton about ensuring unlicensed gambling sites on their shirts cannot be accessed in the UK
πΉ Extended warnings to Nottingham Forest (sponsored by Kaiyun) and Leicester City (BC.Game)
*πΉ Stressed that club officials could face up to 51 weeks in jail and unlimited fines if found guilty of promoting illegal gambling
ποΈ Everton Sticks with Stake
Despite Stake’s decision to cease operations in Great Britain from 11 March, Everton has no plans to replace them as a main sponsor.
π Stake, which brands itself as the βworldβs leading cryptocurrency casino,β is now shifting focus to regulated markets like Italy & Brazil.
β½ Premier League to Phase Out Gambling Sponsors
The Premier League will ban front-of-shirt gambling sponsors from the 2025-26 season, but betting companies can still advertise on sleeves and digital boards.
π Reports suggest betting ads during Premier League games have nearly tripled in a year, sparking concerns over gambling addiction.
π Whatβs Next?
πΉ The UK government continues to scrutinize footballβs gambling links
πΉ Clubs must prove theyβve done due diligence on gambling sponsors
*πΉ Fans & campaigners call for stricter regulations
π’ Should football cut ties with gambling sponsors altogether? Drop your thoughts below in the comments! β¬οΈ
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