TGP Europe, Sponsor Of 5 Premier League Clubs, Exits UK Market After £3M Fine
TGP Europe, a prominent entity sponsoring five clubs in the Premier League, has made the strategic decision to exit the UK market following a substantial £3 million fine related to anti-money laundering (AML) violations.
John Pierce, head of enforcement at the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), emphasized the gravity of the situation: “This case involves a gambling company that was unwilling or unable to meet the regulatory standards we expect from our licensees.” He elaborated that the penalties stemmed from inadequate checks on business partners, reflecting a serious breach of AML regulations.
The gaming brands under scrutiny include BJ88 (Bournemouth), SBOTOP (Fulham), Sportsbet.io and Fun88 (Newcastle), Debet (Wolves), and 96.com (Burnley).
## UKGC Issues a Warning to Clubs
In light of TGP’s withdrawal, the UKGC has instructed Newcastle United, Fulham, Wolves, Burnley, and Bournemouth to demonstrate comprehensive due diligence prior to entering into their sponsorship agreements. Clubs failing to provide adequate proof of these checks may face significant fines, and individuals responsible for the agreements could potentially face imprisonment.
“We have already contacted several football clubs today to make them aware of the ramifications of TGP’s market exit,” Pierce stated. “We will verify that these sites remain inaccessible, and carry out ongoing spot checks. Should any of these platforms be available to GB consumers, we will take the necessary regulatory action.”
Pierce further cautioned unregulated operators, asserting, “All licensed operators with similar arrangements to TGP should take notice of the actions taken in this case.”
## The Crackdown on Offshore Sportsbooks
Headquartered in the Isle of Man, TGP Europe is among many offshore sportsbooks facing increased scrutiny from the UKGC, which is tightening regulations on entities that permit players to access their platforms, either legally or through VPNs.
Previously, Stake, the sponsor for Everton FC, was also ousted from the UK market following a probe into its advertising strategies. Nonetheless, Everton continues to feature Stake prominently on its shirts.
Starting from the 2026-27 season, Premier League clubs have committed to discontinuing the inclusion of betting brands on their shirts. Currently valued at approximately £60 million per year, these sponsorship deals significantly impact the financial landscape, particularly for smaller clubs in the league.
Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton and Hove Albion and a veteran in the gambling industry, remarked, “I don’t think having gambling sponsorship on shirts is ideal, but I recognize that gambling companies offer the best financial backing, making it a challenging decision for clubs to forgo such partnerships.”
## The Evolving Landscape of Gambling Advertising in the Premier League
The push to eliminate gambling shirt sponsors arises from growing pressure on the Premier League to curtail gambling advertisements. Clubs will still have the option to showcase betting brands on shirt sleeves and via digital advertising boards at the pitch’s edge.
The proliferation of gambling advertisements has reached alarming levels, with a recent study report indicating over 29,000 gambling-related messages during the opening weekend of the current Premier League season, marking a threefold increase compared to the previous year. One match alone recorded 6,500 messages, averaging 30 instances per minute, illustrating the extent of gambling’s presence in UK football.
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In summary, the withdrawal of TGP Europe from the UK market signals a critical moment for the gambling sector, highlighting intensified regulatory scrutiny and the ongoing debate over the role of gambling sponsorship in sports. Stakeholders within the gambling industry must adapt to these evolving regulations while considering their broader implications for marketing and brand partnerships in the sports arena.
