Entain CEO Criticizes Premier League Over Ties with Illegal Gambling Sponsors

UK Considers Ban on Sponsorships from Unlicensed Gambling Operators

The UK government is considering new regulations that would prevent sports teams, including Premier League clubs, from partnering with gambling operators that lack proper licensing in the country. This move aims to tackle the rise of illegal online gambling and the risks it poses to players, especially concerning unregulated platforms that may ignore player protections such as self-exclusion.

Entain’s CEO Calls on Premier League to Address Sponsorship Concerns

Entain’s CEO, Stella David, has publicly supported the government’s plans. She singled out an upcoming match between Bournemouth and Sunderland, describing it as a “black market derby” due to both clubs having sponsorship deals with unlicensed UK operators. David criticized the Premier League for allowing such partnerships and emphasized the seriousness of the issue at hand.

While acknowledging that a formal ban might take considerable time to be enacted, she urged the Premier League to proactively prevent its clubs from working with gambling operators that exploit vulnerable UK consumers. David stressed that the current situation reflects a troubling closeness between the league and illegal gambling entities, which threatens the integrity of the sport. She expressed openness to further dialogue with Premier League leadership to find solutions.

Entain Ends Sponsorship of Cheltenham Festival’s Coral Cup

Separately, Entain’s Coral brand recently announced its withdrawal from sponsoring The Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. This decision was driven by increasing regulatory demands and financial strain within the UK gambling sector, including recent tax increases and a complex compliance environment. The move reflects broader challenges faced by licensed operators navigating evolving market conditions.