Safer gambling hub launched to help clubs and fans

The UK Football Supporters’ Association in partnership with BeGambleAware, have created a ‘safer gambling hub’ with assets for clubs to help them provide a safer gambling environment for their fans.

The digital hub hosts a number of materials available for free download that are part of a national safer gambling campaign – Bet Regret – helping to inform fans about the risks of impulsive betting.

These include posters to be used in stadiums, programme advertisements, digital LEDs and social media content featuring safer gambling ambassador David James, all aimed at educating football fans about safer gambling.

FSA deputy chief executive Dave Rose said: “Supporter groups have real concerns about harmful betting and impulsive gambling behaviours among some football fans.

“We’ll be helping fans across the country lobby their clubs on the issue and get the safer gambling message out there. Football clubs have a unique position in their communities – so this is something they need to take seriously.”

The hub aims to raise awareness amongst football fans of the risks of impulsive betting, to help them recognise the behaviours that can lead from low-risk betting to a more serious gambling issue.

The FSA and BeGambleAware are encouraging football fans, clubs, and associated groups to use any of the safer gambling materials.

Marc Etches, chief executive of BeGambleAware, said: “It is important that for anyone who chooses to gamble, they are able to do so in an environment where the risks are made clear. As highlighted in the FSA Survey conducted at the end of last year, only 10% of supporters felt that their club was doing enough to encourage safer gambling.

“The safer gambling campaign, Bet Regret, is designed to encourage regular sports bettors to think twice about their gambling habits and help keep them safe from gambling harms.”

“We hope that football clubs and associated groups find the tools useful in helping to create a safer gambling environment for everyone.”