Premier League clubs may be barred from having gambling and betting firms as sponsors on the front of shirts.
A report published over the weekend by BBC Sport cites an unnamed source who claims that a draft of the white paper on gambling reforms includes a ban on gambling shirt sponsorships for Premier League clubs.
The white paper was delayed earlier this year and, with clubs already negotiating contracts for next season, means a ban may be applied for the 2023-24 football season.
However, the report suggests the government is holding discussions with the Premier League to end the clubs’ sponsorship agreements with gambling and betting firms early.
At the time of writing, half of the Premier League’s teams have gambling shirt sponsorships, but campaigns have long called for a ban on club sponsorships, including a House of Lords select committee.
A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spokesperson told BBC Sport: “We are undertaking the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in 15 years to make sure they are fit for the digital age.
“We will publish a white paper which sets out our vision for the sector in the coming weeks.”
In addition to potentially banning gambling shirt sponsorships, it’s thought the government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 may make changes to the regulation of gambling within the UK, may instruct on changes to the play of online casino games like slots, and more.
Back in February, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) issued a warning on the dangers of the illegal black market, suggesting that tighter restrictions could push users to the unsafe black market.
