The UK government is proposing to ban unlicensed gambling companies from sponsoring sports teams, potentially from August 2027, in an effort to protect vulnerable people and reduce the risk of money laundering through sport. The move matters because it could disrupt existing sponsorship deals in high-profile sports such as Premier League football and Formula One, and turn arrangements that are currently legal into criminal offences.

Ministers have opened an eight-week consultation on the plans, with a final ban due no later than August 2028. Everton could be among the most affected clubs because of its sleeve sponsorship deal with Stake.com, an unlicensed crypto casino, reportedly worth at least £10m and due to run until 2028-29. Other clubs with unlicensed gambling partners include Chelsea, Ipswich and Fulham, while the proposals could also affect Formula One teams and the World Snooker Tour; however, online partnerships are not included at this stage.