Premier League clubs have agreed to remove sponsorship for gambling companies from the front of their match day shirts.
It comes ahead of the much delayed gambling White Paper, which was first announced in 2020.
In a statement this evening, the Premier League said clubs had “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.”
It added:
“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.”
The agreement will begin at the end of the 2025/26 season. In total 8 Premier League clubs have front of shirt betting deals, including Leeds, Newcastle and Everton – Everton only signed its club-record deal with Stake last year.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer responded on Twitter to say:
“Strongly welcome this move
“While the vast majority of adults enjoy gambling without harm, we can’t ignore the fact footballers are massive role models to kids
“Our upcoming Gambling White Paper will upgrade punter protections & do more to protect those at risk of addiction.”