Everton's sponsor leaves GB amid porn ad probe
Published On Feb 12, 2025, 11:10 AM
Stake, an Australian online betting firm and front-of-shirt sponsor of Everton football club, is withdrawing its license in Great Britain following controversy surrounding an advertisement featuring porn actress Bonnie Blue. The UK Gambling Commission has launched an investigation into Stake's advertising practices and is warning Premier League clubs about the legal responsibilities and potential risks associated with promoting unlicensed gambling websites. Stake plans to focus on securing local licenses in other markets. The trend of football clubs using gambling firms for sponsorship has come under increased scrutiny, with plans to ban these companies from being main sponsors in future seasons.
Stock Forecasts
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The withdrawal of Stake from the UK market due to regulatory scrutiny reflects a broader negative trend for gambling companies in the region, particularly given the increased public and governmental focus on responsible gambling practices. As scrutiny escalates, companies like Stake may face operational disruptions and a decline in revenues from markets that enforce stricter regulations. This may create a negative sentiment surrounding similar stocks in the betting and gambling sector.