The Supporters’ Trust At Reading (STAR) has issued a robust rebuke of Reading FC after the club revealed Mr Vegas as its new front-of-shirt sponsor ahead of the 2026/27 season. The trust expressed particular concern about the choice of a gambling company and said fans were not properly consulted.
Why supporters are alarmed
STAR described gambling sponsorship in football as a "divisive and well‑debated topic", acknowledging the financial incentives for clubs still rebuilding after recent difficulties. The group made clear, however, that the decision will dismay many in the fanbase because of the well‑documented harms linked to gambling and the prominence such a brand receives when displayed on team shirts.
"Gambling sponsorship in football is a divisive and well‑debated topic,"
The trust warned that greater visibility of gambling brands on shirts increases exposure for those already struggling with gambling problems and for younger supporters. They said this move sits uneasily with Reading's reputation as a family‑oriented club.
Reaction to outgoing sponsor
In its statement, STAR paid tribute to outgoing front‑of‑shirt partner Select Car Leasing, praising the company as "genuine fans and a thriving local business" that supported the club through tough times. The trust said replacing a locally rooted firm with an online casino felt particularly jarring.
- New sponsor: Mr Vegas (online casino)
- Former sponsor: Select Car Leasing (local business)
- Club claim: a club‑record front‑of‑shirt sponsorship agreement
Concerns about consultation and kit options
STAR also criticised the club for a lack of fan consultation, a recurring complaint from supporters in recent years. The trust has called on the club to ensure that sponsor‑free shirts are widely available; current regulations require such options for junior kits, but STAR wants adult versions offered too.
| Issue | Trust position |
|---|---|
| Gambling sponsorship | Likely to disappoint many supporters; raises risks for vulnerable people |
| Fan consultation | Insufficient; decision felt imposed |
| Sponsor‑free shirts | Requested for adults as well as juniors |
The club has announced the deal as a record front‑of‑shirt agreement but has not published financial details. For many supporters, the tension between immediate commercial benefit and the club’s community role underpins the dispute. Reading continues to recover financially, and the club's leadership argues sponsorship income is vital; STAR accepts the commercial reality but urges greater sensitivity to fan concerns.
As the new season approaches, supporters will be watching whether the club responds to calls for more transparency and whether alternative kit options are made available to fans worried by the change.
