Stake.com told to remove Everton imagery from cash drops promotion

Stake.com have been told by Everton FC to remove all uses of their player likenesses, images and kits from its cash drop promotional campaign.

Stake launched the promotion last week, tying the offer into the Merseysiders’ progression in the Carabao Cup.

The promotion offered those who staked $5,000 (£4,275) in the last week a $10 free bet. This offer was broadcast to an international audience but was unavailable to anyone with a UK IP address.

A report by The Guardian stated that when approached, the club was not aware of the use of its players likenesses and kit imagery in the promotion and have since told Stake to remove the imagery going forward.

Whilst this was going on Stake continued to use the Toffees as part of its promotions, as it launched a social media campaign titled “Road to Glory”, which is contingent on the performance of Everton in the Premier League.

Stake.com, who also sponsors Championship side Watford, did not make a comment to the newspaper when prompted.

Fans and campaign groups were outraged when this campaign was launched and have criticised Everton for their involvement.

Tom Fleming, communications manager at Gambling With Lives, said: “Everton’s main club sponsor is encouraging fans to gamble $5,000 in a week, never accept that this is normal or safe. There are now over 30,000 Evertonians against this partnership. It’s time the club listened to its own fans and ended it now.”

The deal between Everton and Stake has been marred in controversy since it was signed back in June with a petition calling for the deal to be annulled has gaining over 30,000 signatures.

Everton may be forced to look elsewhere for a front-of-shirt sponsor sooner rather than later as Premier League clubs look set to vote in favour of a voluntary ban on gambling front-of-shirt sponsorship once a new Prime Minister is installed next week.