GOVERNMENT SPEED UP GAMBLING REVIEW

FOOTBALL clubs expect to learn the extent of new restrictions on lucrative gambling sponsorship deals by next season. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are in the midst of an audit into UK gambling regulations, which will have major ramifications for the relationship between football and gambling firms. The Government are expected to initiate a ‘call for evidence’ from gambling firms and other associated organisations — such as the Premier League and EFL — as early as this week. Sportsmail understands that this process, which will allow betting companies to have their say on the review, is due to last around three months. Clubs are optimistic that the review will be completed in time for next season, meaning they will have a clearer picture of where they stand with regards to gambling sponsorship deals. There is a major concern that the shake-up will implement stringent restrictions on the relationship between betting advertising and sport. One idea on the table is a blanket ban on clubs having betting firms as their main shirt sponsors. Eight Premier League clubs have shirt sponsorship contracts with betting companies.