Crystal Palace becomes first PL club to work with GambleAware

Crystal Palace FC has become the first Premier League club to take part in a GambleAware initiative addressing concerns over gambling-related harm within football.

The football club, one of nine Premier League clubs that are currently sponsored by gambling companies, has entered into a new partnership with the charity to produce advertisements and promotion materials to raise awareness of the risks of gambling.

Messages, which will be visible to spectators on the ground and to viewers at home, will appear across the perimeter of the pitch and on screens throughout the stadium.

GambleAware hopes that the campaign, which will take place during the final three games of the season, will encourage other clubs to recognise their responsibilities in helping to raise awareness of the risks of gambling, and to promote the support and treatment available at BeGambleAware.org.

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.”

Steve Parish, Chairman of Crystal Palace FC, added: “As a Premier League club, we recognise our responsibility of helping promote safe and responsible gambling.  I’m pleased that Crystal Palace is 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.”

Jon Collins, Director of ManBetX, said: “ManBetX are committed to helping people gamble responsibly and welcome the club’s involvement with GambleAware. As the official shirt sponsor of Crystal Palace FC, we have an added degree of responsibility to support those who offer help and free advice to ensure people gamble responsibly, both within football and the wider community.”