English Premier League clubs have agreed to a voluntary BAN gambling sponsorship from the front of their jerseys on matchdays after government talks - in a move that will be watched closely by SPFL sides.
Top flight clubs voted on the move despite eight of the 20 teams south of the border enjoying lucrative deals with betting firms. The new move will kick in from the start of season 2026-27. A statement from the EPL read: "Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising.
"The announcement follows an extensive consultation involving the League, its clubs and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Government’s ongoing review of current gambling legislation. The Premier League is also working with other sports on the development of a new code for responsible gambling sponsorship.”
Italy and Spain already have a ban in place. The UK government want to crack down on gambling firms appearing on the front of kits and in the Scottish Premiership, three clubs have front-of-shirt betting partners. Champions Celtic have Dafabet, rivals Rangers 32Red and Unibet and Dundee United’s deal is with QuinnCasino.
Scottish Government ministers launched a consultation over plans to restrict the presence of alcohol branding at sports events, including on replica strips and pitch-side hoardings but SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster warned: “We will take time to consider these proposals in far greater detail and respond in due course, but even at an initial stage, it is clear that the sporting, social and financial implications could be extremely grave.
“Sport worldwide depends to a very great degree on sponsorship, and drinks companies have a long and supportive history in the Scottish game. Their valuable financial contribution is hugely important to the wellbeing of our sport and its ability to support a range of social benefits. To remove that revenue stream, at a time when we are experiencing the most significant economic challenges for a generation, could have huge implications for clubs and Scottish sport more generally.”
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