Clubs told to stop plugging betting offers on social media

Clubs have been ordered to stop promoting gambling offers on social media as the betting industry faces intensifying scrutiny over its influence on the game.

With government already reviewing the sector, Arsenal were last month among clubs criticised after tweeting about their official betting partner before an FA Cup tie.

The Betting and Gaming Council has announced a new code of conduct as ministers continue to gather evidence on whether to ban gambling sponsors on shirts.

The industry body confirmed “questions have been raised over gambling adverts posted by clubs on their official Twitter accounts”.

A statement read: “Under the new BGC code of conduct, calls to action or links to gambling websites would not be allowed on organic tweets on the social media feeds of football clubs.

“The code of conduct also bans any display of direct bonuses or odds on organic tweets which cannot be solely targeted at over-18s.”

The BGC said it was writing to the Premier League and English Football League “highlighting the new guidelines so they can make clubs aware and encourage them to apply the rules”. A letter will be sent to Twitter and Facebook calling on them to introduce age-gating on accounts to ensure organic posts, including gambling adverts, can be seen only by over-18s.

Last month disclosed that Boris Johnson was becoming increasingly likely to ban gambling logos on football shirts.

Senior Whitehall figures involved in the most extensive review of the sector since 2005 say they are conscious of “the worst possible timing” for sport in the pandemic.

However, with a call for evidence set to expire next month, other sources close to talks say there is determination at the top of government to press ahead with reform.