Bookmakers and casinos as football sponsors have caused considerable controversy in society, but EFL chairman Rick Parry argues that there is no direct link between the two and gambling harms. He supports his position based on facts and research, which allows for a deeper understanding of the issue and more informed decision-making.
Parry is in favour of supporting football-themed gambling
Chairman of the English Football League, Rick Parry, has spoken out in support of football’s right to benefit from responsible betting sponsorship, recognizing that there is no easy solution to the problem of gambling addiction among players.
The link between sport and gambling is back in the spotlight following the nine-month suspension of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali by the Italian Football Federation. The gambling-addicted athlete is also under investigation by the FA over betting offences.
Big Step, part of the charity Gambling with Lives, said the footballer deserved sympathy and support rather than strict sanctions, adding: ‘Sending someone addicted to gambling to this environment is like sending an alcoholic to work in a pub. If you get young footballers advertising addictive products, don’t be surprised if they use them.” Especially since there are plenty of sites on the internet, like www.topcadcasinos.net, that advertise free cash bonuses at casinos. Anyone can take advantage of them, including players in the Premier League and lower divisions.
Parry, whose organisation has a new agreement with Sky Bet as title sponsor until 2029, expressed that betting companies have made huge amounts of money from sports since the Gambling Act was passed in 2005. He added that allowing sports to enter into marketing agreements to get a share of those profits is logical and fair.
The organisation that Parry represents has conducted research and found no link between sponsorship and an increase in gambling or the level of gambling harm. The value of gambling in England has remained stable for decades, he said, and there is no direct evidence that sponsorship contributes to increased gambling harms.
Parry noted, however, that no one wants gambling to cause harm, but at the same time, it is important to distinguish between the problem of addicted players and those who do not gamble at all. Thus, it is important to approach the two problems individually and not mix them in the context of sponsorship and the gambling industry.
Sky Bet allocates impressive sums of money to support gambling
The EFL’s partnership with Sky Bet has been praised by the UK government for its social responsibility in gambling. Since 2018, Sky Bet’s funding has helped the EPIC Risk Awareness program, which provides training to players and staff at all 72 EFL clubs. For example, more than 200 people have completed the cognitive courses in the last two years.
Also, Sky Bet’s parent company Flutter intends to spend 20 million British pounds on research, education and treatment. In addition, Sky Bet will allocate 1 million British pounds a year to the Building Fund to support community organisations associated with EFL clubs.
