Stake.com to Withdraw from the UK Following Regulatory Scrutiny Over Pornstar

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Published: 13 February 2025

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In a significant move within the online gambling industry, Stake.com has decided to exit the UK market. This decision follows an investigation by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) into a controversial advertisement and has implications for current sponsorship agreements, including with Everton FC.

Key takeaways

Stake.com will leave the UK market by 11 March 2025.
The exit follows a UKGC investigation into a social media post featuring an adult actress outside Nottingham Trent University.
UKGC had previously taken enforcement action against TGP Europe Limited, which operates Stake.com.
Stake.com will stop accepting new registrations and will remove all UK-facing site links.
UKGC warns Everton FC and other clubs about sponsorship deals with unlicensed gambling operators.

Regulatory Actions Lead to Strategic Withdrawal

Stake.com, a major player in online gambling and crypto gaming, has announced its plans to exit the UK market. This decision follows a UKGC investigation into a promotional video that raised eyebrows due to its adult content and placement. The video, featuring the brand’s logo and an adult actress near a university, sparked concerns over the company’s advertising practices.

The UKGC’s scrutiny of Stake.com isn’t new. The gambling giant, operated by TGP Europe Limited under a white-label agreement, faced past enforcement action, underscoring a tumultuous relationship between the regulator and the operator.

Implications for Sponsorships and Compliance

The spotlight now turns to Stake.com’s sponsorship deals, notably its high-profile partnership with Everton FC as the team’s shirt sponsor. The UKGC’s stern warning to Everton and other clubs underscores the profound implications of associating with unlicensed online gambling platforms. With the regulator poised to ensure clubs conduct due diligence and implement effective geo-blocking measures, non-compliance risks are clear: potential prosecution and consequential penalties for club officials.

What Next for Stake.com and the UK Market?

As Stake.com prepares for its UK departure, the unfolding scenario presents critical lessons and considerations for the online gambling industry. Regulatory compliance, responsible advertising, and the integrity of sponsorship deals stand out as paramount. Meanwhile, the UKGC’s ongoing research into gambling behaviours continues to shape a more informed and cautious approach toward minimising gambling-related harm.

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