According to the Daily Mail, the government are set to ban betting companies from sponsoring football shirts – which would impact Newcastle United.
The Magpies are one of nine Premier League clubs who are currently sponsored by gambling firms. They are sponsored by Fun88, who are based in China.
Fun88 replaced controversial loan shark Wonga back in 2017 when Newcastle returned to the top flight under Rafa Benitez.
The Daily Mail report that the government intend to ban betting companies from sponsoring the front of football shirts. However, the ban may not come into effect until 2023.
They add that other betting bans are being considered, such as on television during sport and pitch-side hoardings. However, these are less likely at this stage.
What will replace betting if government enforce sponsor ban?
It is astonishing how many clubs are sponsored by betting companies. It wouldn’t just be Newcastle who would be hit by this ban.
Sport betting has taken over football. If you’re watching a game on television, you are bombarded with odds and special prices, as the bookies try to lure you in to make a cheap buck. However, it isn’t as easy as that.
The issue for clubs will be trying to replace this revenue if the government ban goes ahead.
It surely won’t be difficult, as the Premier League is too lucrative for investors to ignore. Another market will take its place.
We’ve seen alcohol disappear from football shirts, and it looks like the government could enforce the same fate upon gambling.
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