Uefa partnership with big gambling will harm fans - expert warns

A decision by footballing authority Uefa to partner with a major gambling company will harm fans, a public health expert has warned.

This year's Uefa Champions League is sponsored by British betting giant bet365, despite serious concerns about the impact of gambling.

Writing for The Conversation, Robin Ireland, a public health researcher at the University of Glasgow, said "the social costs of gambling are known to be high".

"A recent major survey showed that the scale of harm caused by gambling in the UK could be eight times higher than previously thought. This equates to an estimated 1.3 million people dealing with the negative impact of gambling, which can include getting into debt, turning to crime to finance their habit, losing their home and the breakdown of relationships.

"A recent major survey showed that the scale of harm caused by gambling in the UK could be eight times higher than previously thought. This equates to an estimated 1.3 million people dealing with the negative impact of gambling, which can include getting into debt, turning to crime to finance their habit, losing their home and the breakdown of relationships."

Ireland went on to describe the strategy used by gambling companies to hook fans, which involves "imagery and language designed to create an emotional connection between sport and gambling".

"It takes advantage of the fact anyone with a phone effectively has a betting shop in their pocket, allowing them to bet at any time on everything", he said.

He added: "Of course, both Uefa and bet365 pay lip service to the concept of 'responsible gambling'. Even the gambling company’s press release about joining up with Uefa references it".

"But the term is misleading, given that all gambling carries a degree of risk. And it puts the full blame of using gambling products in a harmful way on the individual".

"European football’s governing body is now actively contributing to gambling profits – while risking an increase in gambling harm among the sport’s devoted followers".