As of 2017, a deal between the Football Association (FA) and marketing agency, IGM, has allowed betting companies to livestream matches. Betting company, Bet365, offers a ‘free’ way to watch live matches online. However, this service is not technically free, as to access the livestreams, a person must have funds in a Bet365 account or have placed a bet with them in the last 24 hours.
This agreement has proved highly controversial, with many arguing that it is harmful to encourage gambling in this way. One individual speaking out about this issue is vice-chairman of Tranmere Rovers, Nicola Palios, who argued “It should never be acceptable to make watching a football match dependent on gambling.”
The deal between the FA and IGM lasts 6 years, so will expire in 2024. It is understood that once this deal has expired, the FA will no longer allow betting companies to stream FA Cup games. This is one step to reduce problem gambling in the world of sports.
The issue of gambling in sports has been considered by the government, who are making their own attempts to combat problem gambling. Following a review of gambling laws in 2021, the government have created plans to ban betting firms from sponsoring football shirts, and potentially even a wider ban on TV advertising and pitch-side hoardings (although this wider ban is less likely). Changes in advertising are not expected to come into effect until 2023.
The White Ribbon Association are keen to see what the outcome will be, as gambling awareness is one of our core topics and as a charity, we support any steps taken to reduce gambling harm. We provide plenty of free educational resources on the topic of gambling. Our resources also cover drugs, alcohol, tobacco and more. For more information, visit our website. Our other blog posts on the topic of gambling include:
Football’s Gambling Pandemic: How our Hobbies can feed our Addictions
Video Gaming’s Loot Box Problem
UK Gambling Laws to be Reviewed
For support on gambling related matters, see below for some organisations offering help and advice:
- begambleaware.com – provides gambling information and can help you find the right support.
- Gamcare national helpline – 0808 8020 133 – available 24/7 to help anyone with gambling related issues.
- gordonmoody.com – provides residential treatment for severely addicted gamblers.