The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is bringing in online gambling regulations to stem the “catastrophic impact” of addiction, but it is widely believed that this will not include banning football clubs from carrying betting company logos on their shirts.
Ministers are soon to publish a review of the current gambling legislation, including new curbs on minimum stakes, ‘non-intrusive’ affordability checks and a ban on free bets and VIP packages for those who have lost large amounts.
Industry regulator, the UK Gambling Commission, will also be given new powers and additional funding and a new ombudsman will strengthen customers’ rights if gambling companies fail to be socially responsible.
However, the government appears to have shelved proposals to ban football shirt sponsorship by gambling companies, in the hope that voluntary agreements can be reached with those Premier League and EFL clubs that currently carry such branding.
