English League Two football club, AFC Wimbledon, has become the fifth team to join the Big Step campaign in order to take a stand against gambling advertising across association football.
The campaign has already gained the support of some significant footballing entities including Bolton Wanderers, Luton Town, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere, calling on an end to all gambling and sports-betting-related sponsorship in football.
AFC Wimbledon
The club’s decision to join the initiative was made after consulting members of the Dons’ Trust, with 79 percent of the members from the body responsible for the club voting in favour of supporting the campaign.
Additionally, AFC Wimbledon will also work with Gambling with Lives, a charity promoting awareness of gambling risks, and preventative messages, along with providing training and education related to gambling addiction.
Problem gambling
The club’s manager, Johnnie Jackson, has emphasised the need for awareness surrounding awareness as to the extent and prevalence of the damage gambling addiction can have.
The attention to this issue comes in lieu of the UK Government’s April 2023 white paper on gambling reform recommendations.
These called for a code of conduct to would stipulate a responsible approach to gambling sponsorship in sports.
Scandals rife in professional football
Association football’s relationship with gambling has been under increased scrutiny as of late with separate scandals involving Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali making headlines for breaching betting regulations.
Although neither player was found to have been guilty of match-fixing offences both players are currently serving lengthy suspensions for their actions which include betting on his own club in the case of former AC Milan man, Tonali.
Tom Fleming, the communications manager for the Big Step and Gambling with Lives had this to say on the matter:
“We’re sure that if it were down to the fans of each club, no club would partner with a gambling company. We still hope the government will take control and end gambling advertising in football but in the meantime, it’s so important that clubs like AFC Wimbledon have taken a stand to protect their fans.”
SiGMA Eurasia
SiGMA’s world-renowned summits will return in 2024 when SiGMA Eurasia graces the industry’s calendar once again. Dubai will be the host yet again for the much-anticipated conference and exhibition from the 25th – 27th of February. Get your tickets now to ensure you won’t miss out!
