Entain general counsel Simon Zinger sent letters to six Premier League clubs this week, pressing them to commit to UK-licensed gambling sponsors exclusively for the 2026/27 season. The letters explicitly call out the cryptocurrency-heavy business models of Stake and BJ88 as reasons to steer clear of offshore operators.
Why cryptocurrency is the target
Zinger's letters argue that Stake's 'heavy reliance on cryptocurrency' makes it a riskier partner than a UK-licensed firm. They also point to BJ88's use of unregulated payment methods like cryptocurrency, which the letters say is designed to evade financial oversight. Both points aim to tie crypto to regulatory gaps that licensed operators don't have.
The Premier League's gambling landscape
Several top-flight clubs currently carry sponsorship deals with gambling brands, some of which operate outside the UK's strict licensing regime. Stake, for instance, has shirt deals with a few clubs. BJ88 is less visible but still active in the space. Zinger's letters push back against that trend, arguing that only fully UK-licensed sponsors can guarantee consumer protections and tax compliance.
What the letters demand
The letters don't threaten legal action — they're more of a plea. Zinger asks each club to make a public commitment to only take money from UK-licensed gambling firms for the 2026/27 campaign. No club has responded publicly yet, and it's not clear if any will. But the timing puts pressure on boards as they negotiate next season's sponsorship deals.
What happens next
Clubs have a few months to decide. The 2026/27 season doesn't start until August, but sponsorship contracts are typically locked in over the summer. Zinger's letters land just as those talks heat up. Whether the clubs cave or hold out for crypto cash is the open question — one that'll shape how much offshore gambling money flows into English football next year.
