League One side Bolton Wanderers cutting all ties with betting

Bolton Wanderers have decided to cut all ties with the gambling industry, amid concerns over the effects of gambling addiction. 

Wanderers will no longer provide any on-site betting provision at the University of Bolton Stadium or enter into any new commercial partnerships and sponsorship with firms representing the gambling industry.

The club will still respect the partnerships of the EFL, namely Skybet's sponsorship, and deals that other clubs have with gambling firms, but they will no longer engage with the industry.

Chairman Sharon Brittan said: “Problem gambling ruins lives and we’ve taken this stance to show our support for those who are suffering from a betting addiction.

“Latest research shows that there are between 340,000 and 1.4 million adult gambling addicts in the UK and over 60,000 young people aged between 11 and 16 are addicted.

“We as an industry must do more and through our work with Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Bolton Wanderers Football Club will support outreach programmes for those who experience gambling problems.”

Bolton Wanderers CEO, Neil Hart, added: “We recognise that some people do want to bet and also that the league has a commercial partnership with a gambling company in place - and we are respectful of this.

"However, we will not take part in any activity to promote gambling outside the existing EFL contractual requirements. This means that we will not provide match-day betting kiosks or enter into any new agreements with gambling companies.

“In the spirit of transparency the club does operate a club lottery which allows supporters to take part on a match-by-match or monthly basis with all this fundraising income supporting club-related good causes and supporter engagement projects. We will continue to provide this support for our local community and our amazing supporters.

“As a club which is at the heart of our community, we want to support those who are suffering as a consequence of gambling addiction.”