Entain Head Lambasts Premier League over Black Market Ties

Entain’s chief executive officer, Stella David, has commented on the new proposal to stop British sports teams from forming sponsorship deals with operators that are not legal in the country. She praised the proposal and critiqued Premier League teams for even forming such partnerships.

The UK Mulls Over a Ban on Unlicensed Sponsorships in Sports  

For context, the government just unveiled a mulled plan to bar local sports clubs, including Premier League clubs, from signing sponsorships with unlicensed operators. This proposal came amid rising concerns about the current state of the market and the growing threat of illegal online gambling.

Officials emphasized that black market operators do not comply with the local rules and expose local players to harm. The UKGC previously noted that some of these gaming companies even explicitly say that they allow self-excluded players to gamble.

CEO David Encouraged the Premier League to Take Action

In response to the new proposal, Entain’s David agreed that such a measure is needed. In a letter to the Premier League, she criticized an upcoming game between Bournemouth and Sunderland, both of which have agreements with unlicensed UK operators. She described the game, set to take place on February 28, as a “black market derby” and said that it underscores the severity of the issue.

David proceeded to praise the government’s proposal to ban sponsorship deals with unlicensed gaming operators. However, she also acknowledged that such a measure would potentially need months to complete, if approved.

Since enacting a ban on such sponsorships would take a while, David encouraged the Premier League to take pre-emptive action and ban its clubs from signing deals with predatory companies that target vulnerable UK consumers.

David implied that, as things stand now, the Premier League has a favorable relationship with illegal companies, which she called very concerning.

David added that Entain has already made its choice and stands on the side of sport and sport integrity. She concluded that she would welcome an opportunity to discuss the matter with the Premier League’s CEO, Richard Masters, in person.

Entain Withdraws Horseracing Sponsorship

In other news, Entain’s brand Coral recently announced that it is ending its long-standing agreement with The Coral Cup, a part of the Cheltenham Festival.

In its announcement, the gaming company cited the growing regulatory and financial pressures in the UK as the reason. For context, operators in Great Britain have had to navigate a shifting regulatory landscape, as well as a recent tax hike.