GambleAware and Crystal Palace to address gambling risks
GambleAware has linked up with English Premier League football club Crystal Palace to address concerns about gambling-related harm within football.
Under the agreement, the pair will produce advertisements and promotional materials to raise awareness of the risks of gambling.
As part of the deal, messages will appear across the perimeter of the club’s home pitch and on screens throughout the stadium.
Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware, said: “This is an important first step towards a deeper and broader action plan to address the ever-closer relationship between gambling and football.
“As the first professional football club to make this commitment, Crystal Palace is setting a great example to other clubs, and not only those with gambling sponsors because all benefit from the income that flows from television deals funded by the ever-growing amount of gambling advertising around live sport.”
Crystal Palace is one of nine Premier League clubs currently sponsored by gambling companies.
The partnership will be launched at the match against Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow (Saturday), and the advertising will continue at the Leicester City game on April 28 and the final match of the season against West Bromwich Albion on May 13.
Steve Parish, chairman of Crystal Palace, said: “As a Premier League club, we recognise our responsibility of helping promote safe and responsible gambling. I’m pleased that Crystal Palace are the first club to form a partnership with GambleAware, and I hope we can play a part in raising awareness about their service, and help those individuals who need support.”
Related article: GambleAware seeks partner for £7m campaign