Sky Bet introduces campaign for responsible gambling

Sky Bet has introduced a fresh campaign for responsible gambling campaign, which designed to make the players and staff of 72 EFL clubs aware of gambling-related harm.

The programme will be delivered by EPIC Risk Management, the leading independent harm minimisation consultancy in the UK. It will cover all clubs over the next season.

It will start at Birmingham City, Norwich City, Charlton Athletic, Brentford, Accrington Stanley, Carlisle United, Lincoln City, Newport County, Oldham Athletic and Portsmouth during the off-season.

EPIC will provide each club with training similar to that which it has delivered to Chelsea FC, the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the Rugby Players’ Association. In addition, it will work with current networks within professional football to signpost support for any player or club official who requires it.

The aim of the training will be to ensure players understand the potential risks associated with gambling, the rules around betting integrity, and know how to look out for signs of potential harm in their teammates.

CEO of Sky Betting & Gaming Richard Flint said: “When we announced the extension of our EFL sponsorship we were keen to put safer gambling at the heart of our renewed partnership. By funding such a vital service for every club we want to play our part in reducing gambling-related harm amongst their players and wider staff. I firmly believe that responsible operators can add value to sport through partnerships like this.”

CEO of EPIC Risk Management Paul Buck said: “A recent Professional Players Federation survey concluded that professional sportspeople are at least 3x more likely to be problem gamblers. Our work across other professional sports suggest this is understated. We look forward to working with Sky Bet and the EFL to ensure gambling-related harm is reduced across the players and the clubs in what we believe is the most comprehensive programme ever completed in world sport.”

EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey, said: “The longevity of any partnership is dependent on each party understanding what the other is trying to achieve and it is clear that the EFL and Sky Bet are aligned in our ambition to increase the collective efforts to supporting issues around problem gambling.

“Betting in football should only serve to enhance the match day experience and I hope that by providing our campaign with visibility at every single game that supporters will be encouraged to stay in control and gamble safely. The work that will take place with EFL Clubs, players and staff alike is a hugely significant step forward and will hopefully have a positive impact on all participants in the professional game for many years to come.”

Source: 5star.media