Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are facing criticism for striking deals with unlicensed gambling firms. These clubs are among 11 Premier League teams that hold agreements with betting companies not licensed in the UK, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
The criticism comes as the government continues a consultation on whether to ban such organisations from sponsoring sport. Established betting group Entain, which runs brands like Ladbrokes and Coral, has advocated for an immediate ban.
Stella David, Entain's chief executive, stated that Premier League clubs entering new deals with unlicensed operators were aware of the risks. She added that the government made its intention to implement a ban clear in February and should do so immediately, even if it means clubs ordering new kit mid-season.
This situation arises in the first season since Premier League clubs voluntarily banned any gambling brands, licensed or unlicensed, from being their main, front-of-shirt sponsor. Chelsea has a sponsorship deal with 8XBet, while Spurs have a partnership with VSBet.
The consultation highlights that current legislation allows businesses to enter advertising and sponsorship arrangements with gambling operators not licensed by the Gambling Commission, provided their services are inaccessible to consumers in Great Britain. However, it notes that geo-blocking can be circumvented by consumers using a virtual private network, undermining regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers and reduce risks like money-laundering.