Everton Sponsor Stake Exits UK After Ad Probe
Discover how Everton's main sponsor, Stake, is exiting the UK following a gambling commission probe into a controversial ad featuring Bonnie Blue. Explore the implications for Premier League sponsorships and the broader gambling industry.
2/13/20252 min read
Everton's Sponsor Exits UK After Porn Ad Controversy – Full Breakdown with Stats & Key Highlights
🚨 Stake Drops UK License Amid Controversy 🚨
A major sponsor of Everton Football Club, Stake.com, has decided to exit the UK market after facing backlash over an advertisement featuring adult actress Bonnie Blue. The ad, deemed inappropriate, sparked outrage, leading to an investigation by the UK Gambling Commission.
📌 What Happened?
A video surfaced on social media, showing Bonnie Blue outside Nottingham Trent University stating she was there to "sleep with 180 barely-legal 18-year-olds."
The Stake logo was visible in the background.
Campaigners urged government action, claiming the ad promoted gambling using sexual content targeting young audiences.
🔎 The Gambling Commission's Response
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) launched an investigation.
Everton was warned about ensuring unlicensed gambling sites promoted on their shirts are inaccessible in Great BritainOther affected clubs:
Nottingham Forest (sponsored by Kaiyun)
Leicester City (partnered with BC.Game)
The Gambling Commission is writing to these clubs, emphasizing their responsibilities.
📉 Stake's Exit – Key Dates & Decisions
Stake.com was operating under a "white label" license via TGP Europe, based in the Isle of Man.
After the investigation, Stake decided to withdraw from Great Britain, ending its white-label agreement.
Key Date: 🗓️ March 11, 2025 – Stake will stop accepting new registrations and close operations in the UK.
🚀 Stake’s Global Strategy & Future Moves
Despite the UK exit, Stake remains active globally.
Recent expansions: 🇮🇹 Italy & 🇧🇷 Brazil
Plans to secure local licenses rather than use white-label services.
👉 What is a white-label license?
A cost-effective way for global gambling firms to enter the UK market without major investment in infrastructure.
⚠️ Legal Warnings to Football Clubs
The UKGC is warning clubs that officers could face up to 51 weeks in jail and unlimited fines if they promote illegal gambling websites.
Clubs must prove they’ve done due diligence on their white-label partners.
They may need to block UK users, even those using VPNs, to prevent illegal gambling access.
📊 Shocking Gambling Industry Stats (2024-2025)
🔥 29,000 gambling ads aired during the Premier League’s opening weekend – 3X more than the previous year!
⚽ Over 50% of EPL clubs have gambling sponsors on their kits.
🎰 The UK government is limiting online gambling slots to £5 per spin to curb addiction.
💰 1.4 million Brits are classified as problem gamblers or at risk.
🛑 Growing Pressure to Ban Gambling Ads in Football
Premier League clubs have agreed to phase out front-of-shirt gambling sponsors by 2026.
However, gambling ads will still appear on shirt sleeves & stadium boards.
Campaigners, including ex-Stoke City player Tony Kelly, are speaking out about gambling addiction’s dark side.
📢 What Everton & Other Clubs Say
Everton & Leicester City – Declined to comment
Nottingham Forest, Bonnie Blue (Tia Billinger), and TGP Europe – Awaiting response
🛠️ What This Means for Football Sponsorships
✅ More scrutiny on gambling partnerships
✅ Football clubs may seek new revenue sources
✅ Shift towards ethical sponsorships
🔮 Future of Gambling Sponsorships in Football
🚧 With the UK tightening regulations, clubs might pivot away from gambling sponsors in favor of tech, financial, or sustainable brands.
🔥 What’s next? We’ll be watching as the Premier League reshapes its sponsorship landscape!
👉 What do you think? Should gambling ads be banned from football?