Everton warned of prosecution as main sponsor to be outlawed in weeks
Everton may well be on the lookout for a new sponsor after the latest development emerging from Goodison Park.
The Toffees have been on the up since the return of David Moyes and will be hoping for a positive finish in the Premier League this campaign.
This will allow The Friedkin Group to market the L4 club at a higher level as they prepare to move into the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in the summer.
In addition to searching for a multi-million-dollar sponsorship for the arena, a new front-of-shirt sponsor may also be on the cards.
Everton sponsor Stake loses UK gambling licence
The Evertonians have been sponsored by Stake since 2022 after signing a deal worth a reported £10million per year on Merseyside [The Guardian].
Regardless of the lucrative nature of this deal, the online casino brand has regularly come under scrutiny for its social media presence, particularly on X.
This has resulted in the launch of a Gambling Commission investigation into the Australian-based betting company, which has now come to an end.
The Commission has now confirmed that Stake.uk.com will no longer be a licensed website from next month onwards, with the final shutdown of the Great Britain site set to be completed by 11 March.
As a result of this, discussions will begin with Everton over the risks of promoting unlawful gambling websites.
The Commission will now seek assurance from the Goodison club that they have carried out due diligence on their main sponsor and will be asked to demonstrate that they have assurance that any steps to geo-block the sites are effective.
If they fail to do so, prosecution is said to be possible.
Everton in need of new front-of-shirt sponsor
This news could come as a sizable blow to Everton, who could be left without a shirt sponsor for the remainder of the season.
It is unclear whether or not this will have an impact on revenue given the tone of the Gambling Commission’s information notice.
If that is the case, The Friedkins need to work quickly but carefully to find a solution which won’t negatively affect finances at Goodison.
The US-based owners will be hoping that this isn’t the case ahead of a stadium change at the end of the season.