Liam Thomas

Thu 2 March 2023 19:10, UK

Gambling has continued to bring “embarrassment” to the door of football and the Everton deal with Crypto-betting firm Stake is an “unsavoury” reminder of this, according to The Guardian.

Brentford forward Ivan Toney owned up to multiple gambling offences this week, something which has highlighted the growing concern about the betting world’s involvement in the beautiful game.

The Guardian reported on 22 August 2022 that Everton had told Stake.com to stop using its imagery in an international promotion offering a $10 (£8) free bet to anyone who wagers $5,000 (£4,000) in the space of a week.

“All the while, gambling has continued to bring embarrassment to football’s door. Recent unsavoury episodes include Everton’s discomfort over its own deal with crypto-betting firm Stake.com,” as quoted by the Guardian. (2 March)

Protecting fans with gambling addictions and younger lovers of the game are the main concern target area for concern over the uproar in gambling sponsorships and promotions and more needs to be done to fight it.

Little appetite.

Toney looks like he’ll be made an example of for his gambling offences but the powers that be seem to be doing little to combat the bigger issue at hand.

Teams will continue to profit from the betting organisations regardless of the outcome of Toney’s case and this is something that needs to be remembered.

Football is simply a money game in the modern age and clubs are profiting far too much by having affiliations with betting brands right now.

Adverts and radio breaks plague televisions and cassettes across the UK and even managers like Jose Mourinho and Harry Redknapp have dipped their toe in acting for these companies.

Clubs seem keen to adhere to the betting companies as much as possible and it’s hard to imagine a game and world driven by quick-witted and eye-catching moments not involving gambling at all.

With the independent regulator on its way in England, everything could be changing very soon.