By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The English Premier League Clubs have agreed to ban sponsorship by gambling companies of the front of their match day shirts.
The ban will take effect from the 2026-2027 season.
However, the Clubs will still be able to feature gambling brands on shirt sleeves and also on LED advertising.
Furthermore, the Clubs will be able to sign shirt-front deals before the deadline.
Currently, eight leading Clubs have gambling companies, such as ‘Betway’, on the front of their shirts. This sponsorship is worth £60 million per year.
The League is also working with other sports on developing a new code on responsible gambling sponsorship.
The UK Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, in welcoming the League’s decision, commented as follows:
“The vast majority of adults gamble safely but we have to recognise that footballers are role models who have enormous influence on young people.”
Many organisations concerned about the financial and social effects of gambling wanted a total ban, but this was generally considered to be unlikely!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘