Manchester United Fan Page Accused of Displaying Gambling Advertisements Aimed at Minors by Mark Goldbridge
In the throes of Manchester United's less-than-stellar EPL season, the club continues to steal the sports world's spotlight, with saga upon saga about its ownership and player pool making daily headlines. As a result, an abundance of fan pages sprout up online, doling out the latest news and hot takes on the ever-evolving club situation.
One notable brand is "The United Stand" with 2.6 million followers, known for breaking news and reaction videos. However, its main man, Mark Goldbridge, hasn't been too pleased with a post from fellow Man U fan page, "centredevils." With almost half a million followers, this page boasts a sponsorship agreement with Stake – the same gambling site that recently lost its UK Gambling Commission license due to a scandalous social media ad featuring an adult actress.
Goldbridge took issue with the partnership, but some commenters argue it's a case of double standards, as he himself has promoted SkyBet products in the past. Social media and soccer remain entangled with gambling, with pitcheside ads and official EPL team partnerships being commonplace. Iconic United players like Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville are even frequent guests on the "Overlap" podcast, sponsored by SkyBet.
Now let's delve deeper into Manchester United's intricate relationship with gambling sites and sports media.
Sponsorships within the Premier League
As of now, over half of the Premier League teams have gambling sponsors on their jerseys, with United excluded. However, by the 2026–27 season, there will be a self-imposed ban on front-of-jersey gambling sponsors, potentially impacting future deals[2].
Financial Implications for Manchester United
The club's revenue depends heavily on its European competition performance, with wins in competitions like the Europa League bringing significant financial benefits, such as increased sponsorship opportunities[3][4]. Additionally, a proposed new stadium might bring layered partnerships, enhancing revenue streams and fan experiences, potentially including gambling companies[5].
Promotions and Media Coverage
Although there's no evidence of Manchester United promoting gambling sites directly, media coverage of the Premier League frequently includes advertisements and sponsorships from gambling companies[1]. Regulatory changes regarding gambling sponsorships may also shift how sports media channels approach teams with gambling sponsors[1].
- The actress featured in the controversial Stake ad is now a point of contention between Mark Goldbridge of "The United Stand" and the "centredevils" fan page, despite Goldbridge's past promotions of SkyBet products.
- Manchester United, despite its heavy reliance on European competition winnings for revenue, currently remains excluded from the majority of Premier League teams with gambling sponsors on their jerseys.
- By the 2026-27 season, there will be a self-imposed ban on front-of-jersey gambling sponsors in the Premier League, which may impact future financial deals for clubs like Manchester United.
- Iconic United players like Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville often appear on the "Overlap" podcast, sponsored by SkyBet, highlighting the intricate relationship between Manchester United, gambling sites, and sports media.
