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The Football Supporters Association (FSA) have carried out a new survey in conjunction with GambleAware’s ‘BetRegret’ campaign, and found football clubs have to do much more to protect and educate fans about gambling risks within the game.
Supporters Feedback
Supporters were asked varying questions regarding betting on football games, only 10% of fans agreed clubs were doing enough to tackle gambling related problems.There’s a huge following of fans within football clubs in the UK, most now have sponsorship from bookmakers. Surprisingly, only 13% of fans agreed they are or would be happy for their club to be sponsored by a gambling company.Fans were critical of gambling or betting companies sponsoring individual players, 32Red sponsored Wayne Rooney to wear number 32 on his shirt at Derby County. 84% of fans said this was a step too far and should re-think future partnerships.Fans were asked varying questions around the roll of gambling at matches and some were concerned about the influence of gambling messages would affect the younger generation.Chief Executive of the FSA Kevin Miles said,“ Football clubs are not like any other business – they are an integral part of many match-going supporters’ lives and have a duty of care. It’s clear fans want clubs to do more on educating their supporters about the risks of gambling and alongside GambleAware we’ll be pushing clubs, particularly those with prominent gambling sponsors, to do better.”
‘Bet Regret’ Campaign
The survey is the first of its kind to be conducted by the FSA and GambleAware as part of the latest ‘Bet regret’ campaign. The term is the ‘sinking feeling a bettor would get after making an impulsive bet they shouldn’t have.A number of initiatives will be rolled out in 2019/20, encouraging fans to be more responsible when placing bets, especially if drunk, bored or chasing losses. Also, a 5-a-side football tournament and a live tour with ex pros to educate fans on safer gambling.