Gambling onslaught on football must end

CARE has demanded action to curb an onslaught of gambling advertising in football after a series of media reports highlighted abuses by the betting industry.

Today it has been reported that football clubs are taking a cut of gamblers' losses, leading to claims that they are exploiting fans and gambling addicts.

Last week, a gambling firm associated with Premier League clubs was fined £400,000 by a regulator for marketing gambling to children.

Tim Cairns, Senior Policy Officer at CARE, commented:

"In recent weeks the relationship between football and gambling has once again come under the spotlight. With news today that football league clubs’ benefit from their supporters losing money, it is beyond time for the Government to step in and take action to protect football fans that face gambling related harm and addiction.

The relationship between football and gambling is not just a Premier League problem. Across the UK lower league clubs and non-league clubs profit from their relationship with gambling companies. This relationship has not just affected adults either. Just last week a gambling firm associated with Premier League clubs was fined £400,000 for marketing on the kids pages of a website, promoting a colouring in competition featuring the betting company logo.

People who watch football at all levels of the game are bombarded with gambling ads and promotions. Shirts are adorned with betting logos, stadiums are named after gambling companies, pitch side hoardings blast gambling odds at supporters and advert breaks persuade the viewer that you cannot enjoy football unless you bet. Football’s relationship with gambling is now toxic.

The Government cannot allow football and TV companies showing matches to self-regulate. The Government have again delayed their white paper outlining much needed gambling reform. Football is in the grip of a gambling addiction and Government intervention is needed to help fans enjoy their team free from harm."

ENDS

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) provides analysis of social policy from a Christian perspective.

For more information or to request an interview, contact jamie.gillies@care.org.uk