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February 17, 2025
Ronaldo forged a true empire outside the football pitches and part of his strategy has been to diversify his many investments. One of his strong bets has been the gambling industry and his partnership with PokerStars demonstrates his strong vision in business...
Cristiano Ronaldo isn't just a football legend, he's the true definition of a global brand. His influence stretches far beyond the pitch, with major endorsements and business ventures that make him one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Among his many ventures, his partnership with the online gambling industry has sparked some debate, especially about the role of celebrities in promoting these platforms.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Just another season for the books!
Over the years, Ronaldo has teamed up with some of the biggest brands. He landed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2016, joining the ranks of legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Other major endorsements include Herbalife, DAZN, Clear shampoo, and MTG. But Ronaldo isn’t just about endorsements he’s a businessman, too. His CR7 fashion line started with underwear and later expanded to include footwear and apparel. He’s also in the hospitality game, launching "Pestana CR7" hotels in Lisbon and Funchal. These business ventures have helped solidify his global brand beyond football.
In 2015, Ronaldo signed on as a brand ambassador for PokerStars, one of the biggest online poker platforms. This move was all about using his star power to bring more attention to poker as a game of skill and strategy. As part of the deal, he participated in promotional events and even played online poker with fans. Ronaldo wasn’t the only footballer to get involved with gambling brands — Neymar Jr. also teamed up with PokerStars. These deals work both ways: companies get exposure to a massive audience, and the athletes get lucrative contracts.
Ronaldo’s PokerStars deal was with a regulated gambling platform, but there’s another side to the online gambling world non-GamStop casinos. GamStop is a UK self-exclusion program that helps players block themselves from online gambling sites. But non-GamStop casinos operate outside this system, giving players an alternative with fewer restrictions and often bigger bonuses. These casinos appeal to players who want more flexibility, with a wider variety of games, higher betting limits, and exclusive promotions. But there’s a downside: without strict regulations, players might not get the same protections as they would with GamStop-participating platforms.
When celebrities like Ronaldo endorse gambling, it raises ethical questions. Critics argue that famous athletes should be careful about promoting betting, as it can lead to addiction and financial problems for fans who might not gamble responsibly. Non-GamStop casinos add another layer of concern since they operate outside typical regulations. This can make it harder for problem gamblers to seek help, as they won’t have access to the self-exclusion tools available on regulated platforms. Promoting responsible gambling is crucial, and public figures need to consider the impact of their endorsements.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in the online gambling world especially through PokerStars highlights the close ties between sports and gaming. While poker is often seen as a game of skill, gambling as a whole remains a controversial topic. And with the rise of non-GamStop casinos, the conversation about responsible gambling is more relevant than ever. As gambling continues to grow online, balancing business, ethics, and player protection will be key for both companies and the celebrities who endorse them.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on February 13, against Al Ahli for the Saudi Pro League. You can watch Al Ahli vs Al Nassr, Osasuna vs Real Madrid, FC Porto vs Roma, Brighton vs Chelsea, Leicester City vs Arsenal and Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Ahli vs Al Al Nassr kick-off time (13-02-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 00:30
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 22:00
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 19:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 18:30
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 17:30
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:30
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 13:30
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 10:30
Sources: ronaldo7.net / sportspro.com / thedrum.com
