SHOULD gambling sponsorship in football be allowed?
A number of English clubs sport advertisements from gambling companies on their jerseys just because its another avenue for revenue.
English Football League chairman Rick Parry says a gambling sponsorship ban could cost clubs £40 million (RM230 million) a year and some clubs could go under.
However, former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton opines the laws with regards to it need to change as football shirts are a "backdoor entry" to exposing youngsters to the industry.
Parry though says an EFL commissioned research suggested there is "no evidence" advertising increases the number of problematic gamblers
Shilton, England's most capped player who had a 45-year gambling addiction, begs to differ as he joined campaigners in handing a strong petition to 10 Downing Street calling for an end to gambling sponsorship in football.
Shilton believes the laws need to change and be regulated properly as otherwise those who have lost loved ones through suicide because of it will be bitterly disappointed.
The government is reviewing changes to the 2005 Gambling Act, and plans to publish its findings and proposals by the end of the year.
The new laws will ensure they are fit for the digital age which will include marketing and advertising.
The government said that it had already received 16,000 responses to its call for evidence and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has offered to meet Gambling with Lives "to ensure their voices are heard".
Shilton states emphatically that there is something seriously wrong if clubs are to rely on money from gambling companies to survive.
Gambling companies have seen a massive drop in their advertisements since the government imposed a no commercial before 9pm rule.
Shilton believes gambling addiction can contained with the right help. - Agencies, September 20, 2021
