Gamstop signs deal with Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace will be the first English Premier League club to promote the gambling self-exclusion provider Gamstop.

UK.- Gambling sponsorship of English football clubs has come in for criticism in recent years, with the government considering legislation to prohibit it. But now, English Premier League side Crystal Palace will also promote gambling self-exclusion.

The London club has signed a deal with gambling self-exclusion provider Gamstop under which it will share information about Gamstop’s services on its social media channels and donate advertising space at its Selhurst Park stadium.

Gamstop will provide the club with free training and advice about its services.

Crystal Palace, whose main shirt sponsor is Asia-facing betting operator W88, was also the first club in the Premier League to work with the responsible gambling charity GambleAware in an agreement signed in 2018.

The club’s chairman, Steve Parish, said: “Whilst most people who gamble on football do so to enhance their enjoyment of the sport, GamStop gives anyone experiencing problems with their gambling a chance to regain control.”

Gamstop chief executive, Fiona Palmer, said: “The pandemic has led to increased sign-ups and we are trying to ensure that anybody who is struggling with their gambling, or has a loved one experiencing problems, knows where they can access support.

“The support of Crystal Palace will help us extend our reach and we hope that other Premier League and women’s clubs will follow their example.”