Clubs warned gambling adverts pose risk to children

Clubs have been warned that the prevalence of bookmakers sponsoring shirts, and advertising during matches, is “normalising gambling for children” at a time of increasing problem gambling.

Marc Etches, the chief executive of Gambleaware, said the relationship between football and gambling was “at a tipping point”.

Etches has met with the Football League and requested discussions with the Football Association and Premier League.

The number of gambling companies sponsoring Premier League shirts has risen from three, in 2013-14, to nine in 2018-19. In the Championship, 17 of the 24 clubs have bookmakers as shirt sponsors.

Gambleaware launched a partnership with Crystal Palace, one of the clubs sponsored by a bookmaker, in April. Etches has urged other clubs to do the same.

“We would like to see football clubs and sports groups showing more commitment to promoting safer gambling to their players and fans in the stadium and those at home. The amount and nature of gambling-related advertising and sponsorship serves to normalise gambling, particularly for children.”

The number of problem gamblers in the United Kingdom has risen by 150,000, to 430,000, according to the Gambling Commission. “Gambleaware would like to see clubs, leagues, administrators, broadcasters and advertisers working with us to help ensure fans and viewers understand the risks of gambling and know where to go for help if it is needed,” Etches said.

“Football clubs work closely with their local communities and they could work closely with us to reduce gambling-related harms.”