NEWS
24 March 2021
Premier League clubs to discuss gambling shirt sponsorship
By Peter Lynch

A House of Lords committee last year recommended that gambling companies should no longer be allowed to advertise on the kits of sports teams, in a bid to help tackle problem gambling in the UK.

The Government launched the review in late 2020, with its call for evidence set to end on 31 March 2021. English top-flight clubs are currently awaiting an update on findings around shirt sponsorship and gambling addiction, with the issue set to be discussed at a shareholder meeting on Thursday.

Eight teams have gambling companies as sponsors on the front of their shirts, while 17 clubs began the 2020/21 campaign with an association with a betting firm.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, a spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport said: “We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they are fit for the digital age and a public call for evidence is open for contributions.

“We are determined to tackle problem gambling in all its forms and the work will build upon our strong track record of introducing measures to protect those at risk. No decisions have been taken.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told a parliamentary inquiry in November 2020: “If there needs to be a rebalancing, that is fine, but we do not think there should be a prohibition on sponsorship of football clubs or other sports clubs, for that matter.”