According to a new survey of fans of English Football League (EFL) clubs, it was revealed that gambling sponsorship is acceptable if it is accompanied by safeguards to protect younger people and problem gamblers.
The EFL Supporters Survey which was held this year, featured the responses of close to 28,000 fans of 72 clubs across the English Football League, which comprises the three leagues immediately below the top-tier Premium League.
A number of 71% of the fans that responded to the survey accept sponsorship in the EFL, while 62% backed such deals on condition that those involved also run initiatives to protect young people and those suffering with gambling-related problems and 9% believe that it is acceptable in all circumstances.
A quarter of fans, however, felt that gambling sponsorship is not at all acceptable in the EFL, with 5% of the fans being unsure over the matter. It was noted that most of the fans opposed to gambling sponsorship were aged 65 and over.
Sky Bet has acted as title sponsor of the EFL’s Championship, League One and League Two since the 2013-14 season and extended the deal by five years in November 2017, through to the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Sky Bet and the EFL launched a new responsible gambling campaign in May of last year, with the parties delivering training to players and staff at all 72 EFL clubs. During the 2018-2019 season, the training centered on the possible risks associated with gambling, as well as the rules with regard to betting integrity and how to look out for signs of possible harm in their teammates.