Gaming addresses football sponsorship claims

The Betting and Gaming Council spoke about the football sponsorship controversy and defended the responsible gambling progress in the UK.

UK.- A letter from two organisations blasted gaming football sponsorships and pointed its finger at the industry. However, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) picked up the gauntlet and defended the responsible gambling process.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said they will take action in response to the letter and to protect gamblers.

“As part of our safer gambling commitments, our members have already introduced a ‘whistle to whistle’ ban on advertising during sport; substantially increased funding for research, education and treatment; implemented new ID and age-verification checks; ended any suggestion of exclusive rights to screen FA Cup games and will ban betting with credit cards,” he explained.

“We are determined to drive big changes across the betting and gaming industry. Millions of people regularly enjoy a flutter and do so safely and we will ensure that our standards are the highest in the world.”

Criticism

Different groups of campaigners in the UK urged the Primer Minister to end betting sponsorships in football. Gambling with Lives and The Big Step are the two groups that want gambling out of the sport.

The groups issued a letter which will soon arrive at the PM’s desk. First, a member will walk 100 miles across different clubs to discuss the issue.

“We believe there would be considerable support for a ban from fans,” the letter says.

“A recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association found that only 13% of fans would be happy for their club to be sponsored by a gambling company.”