We’d still welcome bet firms’ cash deals
Hamilton Accies would welcome more sponsorship from bookies – despite their boss’s crippling gambling addiction.
Chief executive Colin McGowan said income from the gambling industry was still welcome at the club.
He said: “I think there’s a lot of rubbish talked about betting companies and their involvement in the Scottish game and how negative it is.
“Their money puts in between 15 and 20 per cent of Scottish football’s total income and that is used by clubs for things like youth development. If Scotland is going to be successful football-wise in the future, it will be down to money like this.
“If betting companies pulled out of the league, apart from the Old Firm, all teams would struggle. Their money is everywhere. Even things like using our badges to put on football coupon slips – that’s all money that goes back to the club.
“The SPFL do the deal for us and it’s money all teams in the league are grateful to get.”
McGowan, who has fought his own addiction battles, said Rice’s problem with gambling had nothing do with the betting industry’s involvement in the game.
A host of competitions are sponsored by betting firms. And both Rangers and Celtic have deals that see betting firm logos on the front of their shirts.
He said: “We can’t blame betting companies for Brian’s problem. I’m a recovering alcoholic but I don’t hold William Grant or Carlsberg responsible for my problems. It’s the same with Brian.
“Would I do more deals with betting companies? Of course I would.”