Premiership clubs sweat on new
gambling laws
tribalfooball.com - December 08, 2006
Premier League clubs will discover in the New Year whether they
will be allowed to have online betting companies as their shirt
sponsors.
Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all
recently signed deals with online betting firms.
On Thursday evening, sports minister Richard Caborn announced to
the House of Commons an inquiry by the Gambling Commission into the
issue after concerns the sponsorship could attract vulnerable
youngsters.
Caborn said: "There is a grey area at the moment and the inquiry is
to see whether it should be allowed.
"There's a difference between broadcasting and non-broadcasting
advertising with regard to gambling. The question is whether that,
given the coverage of Premiership football on television, whether
such shirt sponsorship should be regarded as advertising on
TV.
"There is also an issue with youngsters' replica shirts carrying
the same branding and we will have an inquiry early in the New
Year.
"The Gambling Commission have got my full support to look at this
issue."
Labour MP Ben Chapman, who raised the issue in the House, said he
will submit evidence to the inquiry.
He said: "It is crucial that we take steps to protect children and
the vulnerable from being targeted, and the glamorous nature of
top-flight football means we should be extra cautious about
allowing gambling companies to be associated with it."