Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur criticised for unlicensed gambling deals

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among 11 Premier League clubs criticized for partnering with unlicensed gambling firms as the government contemplates banning such organizations from sponsoring sports. The Premier League clubs entered into agreements with these unlicensed betting companies, which are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

Entain, a leading betting group, has called for an immediate ban, stating that Premier League clubs who have signed deals with unlicensed gambling operators are aware of the risks. The government made it clear in February that it intends to implement a ban, and Entain believes that the ban should be enacted promptly, even if it requires clubs to order new kit mid-season.

It is the first season since Premier League clubs voluntarily banned gambling brands, whether licensed or unlicensed, from being the primary sponsor on the front of their shirts. The unlicensed gambling sector has generated around £17 billion in the UK last year, and this figure is projected to surpass £30 billion by 2028, according to certain studies.

Chelsea is one of five Premier League clubs that have signed sponsorship deals with 8XBet, alongside Ipswich Town, Coventry City, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United. Everton's deal with Stake has drawn criticism from campaigners, while Tottenham Hotspur has a partnership with VSBet, Nottingham Forest with FUN88, and Crystal Palace with Chexx.bet. Recently, Sunderland announced a deal with Shuffle, and Fulham has a contract with SBOTOP.