UK survey finds support for ban on gambling sports sponsorship

A survey by GamCare adds to calls for a ban on gambling operators sponsoring football team shirts.

UK.- A survey commissioned by the responsible gambling charity GamCare has found that the majority of respondents support the idea of a ban on gambling sponsorship on football shirts.

GamCare surveyed 343 people, of which more than half had received some form of help due to gambling problems. 

Of those who responded, 83 per cent were in favour of a ban on gambling operators sponsoring football team shirts and 80 per cent in favour of a ban on the sponsorship of sports events.

Meanwhile, 84 per cent wanted more restrictions to stop advertising being seen by children and young people, and 64 per cent believed more resources should be provided to problem gamblers.

Calls for a ban on VIP schemes

The survey also found support for more controls on gambling and an end to VIP schemes.

Some 71 per cent of respondents said they were in favour of more limits on online gambling accounts, and 83 per cent called for a ban on VIP schemes.

A ban on sports sponsorship by gambling companies is being considered as part of the UK government’s ongoing review of gambling legislation.

GamCare chief executive, Anna Hemmings, said: “The review of the 2005 Gambling Act has come at just the right time as we are climbing out of lockdown in the UK, and the increase those seeking help with their online gambling has become a worrisome problem.

“We want people to realise the first step is to seek non-judgmental help from our trained advisers after what has been a terribly damaging year for us all.

“Gambling is a serious health harm and we welcome discussion to bring this problem to the forefront of addiction issues, and to ensure we can secure sustainable funds to meet the needs of those affected.”

Responsible gambling bodies are also seeing the benefits of partnering with football clubs. This week, the gambling self-exclusion provider GamStop has signed a deal to partner with Premier League club Crystal Palace.