Entain calls on 10 Premier League clubs over illegal betting

Entain sent out letters to 10 Premier League clubs urging them to stop commercial deals with illegal gambling operators without an UK license. The 10 Premier League clubs reached out by Entain include Fulham, Everton, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, while the operators involved include SBOTOP, Stake, 8XBet, FUN88, VSBet and Chexx.bet. The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral has sent letters as the UK government deliberates on whether unlicensed gambling firms will be banned from sponsoring British sports, with the consultation having closed on September 9. Charles Kovats, Entain’s Group Deputy General Counsel, wrote in the letter: Everton’s association with Stake.com is particularly at odds with the Prime Minister’s longstanding support for the club. It seems unimaginable that, having made his government’s opposition to unlicensed gambling agreements clear, Andy Burnham would become a billboard for unregulated gaming by wearing the club’s current strip. Among the sponsors on the list, 8XBet has the most extensive sponsorship arrangements, as it is associated with five of the clubs. Entain is reporting on the fact that 8XBet is becoming more influential in English football. Entain has confirmed this information, as one of its representatives had a chance to try opening an account. He managed to create an account in less than five minutes while using a VPN connected to Vietnam. Nevertheless, the Premier League has opposed any potential prohibitions, claiming that these sponsorship agreements contribute greatly to clubs’ budgets, although the final decision from the government is likely to be made after the ongoing consultations end.