The league wants to avoid a government-enforced ban
The Premier League has asked clubs to begin phasing out the use of betting companies as sponsors in a bid to avoid a government-enforced ban.
As per The Independent, the league’s hierarchy reportedly contacted all 20 clubs on Monday with a plan to have betting sponsors entirely phased out within three years.
All 20 Premier League clubs have been contacted
Last season, almost half of the 20 top-flight sides benefitted from a sponsorship with a betting company, and gambling firms have become regular sponsors in recent years.
A minimum of 14 clubs are required to agree with the proposal and have been asked to respond quickly so that plans can be put in place immediately.
Should an agreement be found, a voluntary ban would come into place from the start of next season, but any existing deals would be allowed to continue, provided they expire by the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
A DCMS spokesperson revealed a white paper will be published in the ‘coming weeks’
Premier League administrators believe that the UK government has plans to bring in legislation which would see all top-flight clubs from being sponsored by betting companies and believe that by tackling the issue themselves, they will avoid any government intervention.
The government have confirmed that they will publish a white paper on the gambling reform in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “We are undertaking the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in 15 years to ensure they are fit for the digital age.
“We will be publishing a White Paper as part of a review of gambling legislation in the coming weeks.”
Related links:
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- UK to ban gambling ads showing sports and reality TV stars
