The British Labour Party has insisted that betting companies must be banned from being displayed as sponsors on football teams shirts as part of the Government’s efforts to deal with gambling addictions among children and more vulnerable individuals.
The deputy leader Tom Watson revealed the Government’s policy, with the latter being pointed as the first one of a series of proposals aimed to shrink the power of gambling companies. Such a strategy, however, is expected to further increase the pressure of the UK Government right before the latter’s industry review due date.
According to Mr. Watson, a Labour Government would push the Football Association to implement its own ban on football teams sponsorships but would also remain ready to consider the necessary legislation in case it is necessary. In an interview for The Guardian, the deputy leader, who is also the digital, culture, media and sport’s shadow minister, said that football had to play its part in the battle against what he called “hidden epidemic of gambling addiction” across the UK.
What Is the Problem with Gambling Companies Sponsorship Deals?
According to the UK Labour Party, the spreading addictions and problem gambling behaviour among local residents has become a serious problem to deal with. Mr. Watson explained that partnership deals between football teams and gambling operators which end up with the teams’ shirts displaying them as sponsors send out a message that football clubs do not take the problem with gambling addictions seriously.
Moreover, the deputy leader shared that betting firms have been advertised by football teams for a long time now, which has enhanced the possible harmful effects on local customers. Mr. Watson also cited figures reported by the UK Gambling Commission, saying that the local gambling regulatory body had indicated an increase in the number of gamblers affected by problem gabling behaviour to 430,000. Such increase, according to him, is a sure sign that English football should put a clear line between itself and the gambling industry.
Currently, a total of nine Premier League football clubs have sponsorship agreements with gambling operators, with these deals being estimated to a combined amount of more than £47 million this season alone. When it comes to second- and third-tier football clubs, another 16 clubs have also inked similar sponsorship agreements.
Football Association Measures so Far
For the time being, the local Football Association bans youth teams from wearing any logos of products that could be considered harmful for the health, welfare or general interests of young individuals, and that includes gambling companies logos.
In addition, a few months ago, the English Football Association parted ways with one of the largest gambling and betting companies on the territory of the UK – Ladbrokes. Back in June 2017, the local Football Association surprisingly ended its sponsorship agreement with the operator, saying that it no longer found such a partnership reasonable.
Despite the fact that the sponsorship agreement with Ladbrokes was estimated to the massive £4 million on an annual basis, the Association preferred to terminate the four-year contract after facing strong criticism for promoting gambling among football fans while at the same time imposing a blanket ban on football players who participate in gambling activities.
According to the Remote Gambling Association, there was no clear evidence that gambling addictions’ increased levels could be associated with football shirt sponsorship contracts. Still, it did not exclude the possibility that the Government could make such sponsorships part of its ongoing gambling industry and advertising review.
- Author
Daniel Williams
