EPL Clubs Face Financial Hurdles Due to Gambling Sponsorship Ban

The English Premier League’s ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorship had a big impact on some clubs. A few teams will take significant revenue hits because of the move. Sportsbooks had been willing to pay a premium to advertise their companies on the front of an EPL jersey.

The ban goes into place next season after the UK Gambling Commission scrutinized soccer club sponsorship deals with unlicensed gaming operators. Regulators warned that the teams “may be liable to prosecution … if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain.”

Clubs are finding that such a premium is elusive outside of the gambling industry and are bracing themselves to pen deals at less than half the money. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the current 11, which includes the likes of Fulham, West Ham, and Bournemouth, tend to be in the group that will be hit the hardest by lost revenue. Some clubs may now lack a front-of-jersey sponsor when the new season begins. Clubs can still feature gambling brands on sleeves, but the Gambling Commission warnings may cause teams to think twice about it.