United Kingdom football clubs condemn over gambling ads on Social Media Networks

Clubs in the Premier League, EFL and Scottish Premiership have received a letter warning them over the impact of social media ads for betting firms.

United Kingdom – At least 11 football clubs from Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Scottish Premiership have received a letter from a group of 50 former gambling addicts, warning of the dangers of promoting betting companies through their social media channels.

According to the letter, addicts could feel distressed by seeing links to sports betting operator sites on clubs’ Twitter or Facebook posts and could be encouraged to place bets.

The letter was supported by the MPs Carolyn Harris and Iain Duncan Smith, both members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling-Related Harm.

The letter said: “It is difficult for those of us who are addicted or in recovery to be exposed to such advertising.

“It’s painful to see brands associated with unimaginable harm when doing something as simple as checking their team’s starting line-up on Twitter.

“We hope that you will take this request seriously, and we look forward to seeing your social media channels free of direct gambling promotion soon.”

Manchester City, Arsenal, Celtic, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Burnley, Watford, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Coventry City were among the clubs that received the letter.

A spokesperson for Arsenal said in response to the message: “Our partnership with Sports Bet is founded on a joint commitment to promote safe and responsible gambling.