Pressure on EFL and non league as Premier League clubs agree to BAN gambling sponsors on shirts

There is now increased pressure on the EFL and non league as Premier League clubs agree to BAN gambling sponsors on shirts.

Premier League clubs have agreed to a voluntary ban on football shirt sponsorship by gambling companies.

The proposal, which will see front-of-shirt sponsorship from betting firms banned, but still allow sleeve transactions (for now), was approved by 18 of 20 clubs, with two abstaining.

It is anticipated that a three-year transition period will be included. This is something that the government is likely to accept in order to complete existing deals.

Eighteen of the 20 clubs currently have gambling shirt sponsors, but some deals, such as Fulham’s and Newcastle United’s, will be replaced at season’s end.

🔺NEW: Premier League clubs have agreed to a voluntary ban on football shirt sponsorship by gambling companies https://t.co/IVP3txngtB

— Times Sport (@TimesSport) April 13, 2023

PREMIER LEAGUE STATEMENT:

Clubs agree to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts, the first UK sports league to do so.

Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising.

The announcement follows an extensive consultation involving the League, its clubs and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Government’s ongoing review of current gambling legislation.

The Premier League is also working with other sports on the development of a new code for responsible gambling sponsorship.

To assist clubs with their transition away from shirt-front gambling sponsorship, the collective agreement will begin at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising

➡️ https://t.co/FG6V7sJcds pic.twitter.com/5xDX5sR4gY

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 13, 2023

Recently, a Sunderland football fan said his gambling addiction “took over” his life as he continued to fight for change.

He said: “I went to my first game at Roker Park in 1995. I was your typical North East lad, obsessed with football from day dot – playing it and watching it. And it led to gambling on it.

“It took over my life, gradually. I stole money off my loved ones. It’s about hopefully someone listens and says there’s a bit of hope, there’s a way out of this.

“The sad reality is that it’s impossible to watch a football match in England’s top five leagues without seeing a gambling advert. The shirts, stadiums, and screens are saturated with reminders to bet – something so many of us are trying everything in our power not to do.

“After gambling addiction took over my life, I fell out of love with the game.”

Big Step founder James Grimes said: “Advertising at the football was pivotal for me – it was my way into gambling aged 16/17. I love football but if I had kids I wouldn’t take them to matches because I wouldn’t want to risk them.

“Putting gambling logos on players shirts makes it seem innocuous – your favourite players become walking billboards.”

Up to 1.44 million people are addicted to gambling in the UK and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) estimates there are up to 496 gambling-related suicides each year in England alone.

The campaign hopes the Government will consider measures to make gambling less harmful, including advertising restrictions, affordability checks and stake limits on addictive online slot and casino games.

This is what social media users said with pressure increasing on EFL and non league as Premier League clubs agree to BAN gambling sponsors on shirts…

@RWools167: Well overdue. Now what about the tv adverts we’re soaked with before and at halftime in games

@MagicMartinpele: Wonder if the clubs in the SkyBet championship will do the same

@BlackCountryBob: Hopefully they can reduce the adverts too on live games, as it’s a constant barrage when watching a TV coverage game

@Joetkn3:
“Sky Bet” Championship
“Sky Bet” League One
“Sky Bet” League Two

@UPnDOWNvids: That’s a nice surprise for once. If we could just eradicate it from the sport all together, that’d be even better, but I suspect Sky would cry about it.

@alexcmfc: Oh my god yes. A win for football everywhere.

@warwickroadend: Huge step 👏 @EFL need to follow now! #cufc

@markyyypoyser: It’s about time. No reason any club should be desperate for the dirty money. The most normalised addiction I’ve seen that ruins more lives than it can ever make better.

@trevajct: First step. Now get rid of it on the ground advertising where every second ad is a betting agency or gambling service.

@StevenRoss67: A step in the right direction

@MisterQuaye: A step in the right direction. Betting sites are gradually taking away the credibility of the game. Thumbs up for this initiative

@ChrisLukeJones: A good start, realise it’s not the point at all but most betting companies have shit logos that ruin shirts

@Lancemavin: That’s fantastic! Hope other leagues will start doing the same.

@jdhowens: This is a positive step. It would be good to see it go much further – kept away from the grounds and TV coverage entirely.

@_Dan_Castell: Massive W by the Premier League 👏🏻

@greaney_michael: Credit where it’s due. 👏❤️🙏🏻👍🏼

@tonitompkins1: Not soon enough!

@MouthfulofTom: Now get it off the sleeves, the backs, the hoardings and the tv coverage

@AFCMikey: Incredible news.

@daveiq: Bought plenty of replica shirts over the years but stopped when betting firms took over, guess I better start saving up to buy a new one, couple of years and I can afford one.

@dazzalfc5:
*switches over to Sky Sports News..
“This news is brought to you by Sky Bet…”

@kitharrison: Such an obviously positive move, long overdue. I’ve been in residential rehabs with gambling addicts and although it wasn’t why I was there, I soon realised that it can be as addictive and destructive as any drink or drug.

@jd1zzle: Great news. Can @SkySportsPL and @btsportfootball please stop showing gambling ads too?

@TomDCoates: It’s a start. Would be nice to be able to watch a match without being bombarded by three gambling adds per break eh @SkySportsPL

@Mrbaiti: Now can we get them stopped every other advert on sports channels, especially when matches are on. They make enough money, don’t need the air time. We have presenters on Sky with gambling addictions for god sake