‘Hugely disappointing for top football clubs to have gambling logos on shirts’
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ambling firm logos might be carried on the shirts of 9 Premier League golf equipment for the upcoming season in a transfer branded “hugely disappointing”.
A charity mentioned it “beggars belief that top-tier clubs are still taking money from companies that exploit vulnerable fans”, after analysing the brand new kits for the 2023/24 season.
Seven golf equipment may have playing corporations as their major shirt sponsor – specifically Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, Burnley, Everton, Fulham, and West Ham – whereas Crystal Palace and Wolves will carry logos on the shirt sleeves.
The golf equipment had been contacted by the PA news company for remark.
Christian Action Research and Education (Care), which appeared on the new season kits, mentioned “constant exposure to gambling marketing is far from harmless” for individuals combating dependancy.
Last month, the dad and mom of Jack Ritchie, who died from suicide in 2017 aged 24 after changing into hooked on playing, mentioned the Prince of Wales had “made clear” to them that he’s “not happy” with playing corporations sponsoring soccer shirts.
Liz and Charles Ritchie each obtained MBEs from William at Windsor Castle in June for his or her work establishing the charity Gambling with Lives in 2018.
Mr Ritchie mentioned William was “not happy” that Aston Villa, the membership the prince helps, had a shirt sponsorship take care of playing platform BK8.
Premier League golf equipment collectively agreed in April to withdraw playing sponsorship from the entrance of match shirts however the resolution will solely come into impact on the finish of the 2025/26 season.
After that point, golf equipment will nonetheless be capable to function playing manufacturers on shirt sleeves.
It is vastly disappointing to see so many Premier League golf equipment nonetheless making sponsorship offers with playing corporations
Ross Hendry, chief govt of Care, mentioned: “It is hugely disappointing to see so many Premier League clubs still making sponsorship deals with gambling companies.
“Problem gambling is a huge concern and research shows people who bet on sports are particularly vulnerable.
“Many clubs in the Premier League have moved away from partnerships with big betting in recent years.
“Like tobacco advertising in sport in years gone by, gambling adverts are increasingly seen as unacceptable.
“They promote an industry that depends entirely on customer loss for its success, with a track record of putting profits before people.”
Given the impetus for this transfer is defending weak followers, it’s exhausting to know why the Premier League is dragging its heels
He mentioned urgency is required in transferring in direction of a ban.
Mr Hendry added: “This commitment to end shirt-front sponsorship falls short of a complete ban and will not take effect for several years.
“Given the impetus for this move is protecting vulnerable fans, it is hard to understand why the Premier League is dragging its heels.
“Gambling industry wealth is no substitute for fan welfare.”
In April, beneath plans to sort out dependancy within the largest shake-up of the trade’s laws in 15 years, it was introduced that playing corporations are to be compelled to step up checks on punters “to better protect even those unable to afford small losses”.
Government plans additionally embrace most stakes for on-line slot machines of between £2 and £15 for all clients topic to session and a brand new statutory levy that may see playing corporations required to fund extra ground-breaking analysis, schooling and remedy
Campaigners had known as for a ban on playing promoting and sponsorship however the so-called “White Paper for the digital age” stopped in need of that.