Sami Kurvinen 
Big Daddy Gaming Granted a UKGC License
Big Daddy Gaming is the latest slot developer to receive a UKGC license, meaning it will soon make…
UK to ban unlicensed gambling sponsorships?
We recently reported on a Premier League club’s decision to allow an unlicensed gambling company to continue sponsoring them on the match shirts by moving the branding from the front to the sleeves, as the new Premier League shirt ban comes into effect starting from the 2026/2027 season.
However, it turns out that the UK government might ban unlicensed gambling firms from sponsoring UK sports altogether.
What is the UK government planning to do?
As reported by The Guardian, the UK government is expected to launch a public consultation this week to gather opinions on changing the law and closing a loophole that currently allows unlicensed gambling companies to sponsor British sports teams.
The government has received criticism for taking too long to act, allowing new sponsorships to be signed while the gap in the current UK law exists, but they had previously warned Premier League clubs to be cautious about working with unlicensed gambling firms.
What does the gap in current UK law look like?
The current gap in UK law doesn’t require a gambling company to hold a UK license to sponsor a football club, but accepting bets from UK customers without a UKGC license remains illegal.
The sponsorship that is creating the headlines
Stake. com’s new 3-year deal to continue sponsoring Everton FC has created a stir, as the gambling company no longer operates in the UK market after giving up its local license last year.
Stake.com claims not to accept bets from UK customers but uses the Premier League’s appeal to target markets outside the UK, mainly in Asia.
However, no allegation of wrongdoing has been made against Stake.com regarding Everton’s sponsorship deal.
