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.
🎥 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 Stake’s logo appeared on screen.
⚠️ Campaigners urged the UK government to intervene, arguing the ad promoted gambling to young people using explicit content.
🛑 Gambling Commission Issues Warning
The Gambling Commission has:
🔹 Warned Everton about ensuring unlicensed gambling sites on their shirts cannot be accessed in the UK
🔹 Extended warnings to Nottingham Forest (sponsored by Kaiyun) and Leicester City (BC.Game)
*🔹 Stressed that club officials could face up to 51 weeks in jail and unlimited fines if found guilty of promoting illegal gambling
🏟️ 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.
🚀 Stake, which brands itself as the ‘world’s leading cryptocurrency casino,’ is now shifting focus to regulated markets like Italy & Brazil.
⚽ 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.
📊 Reports suggest betting ads during Premier League games have nearly tripled in a year, sparking concerns over gambling addiction.
👀 What’s Next?
🔹 The UK government continues to scrutinize football’s gambling links
🔹 Clubs must prove they’ve done due diligence on gambling sponsors
*🔹 Fans & campaigners call for stricter regulations
📢 Should football cut ties with gambling sponsors altogether? Drop your thoughts below in the comments! ⬇️
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