Sky Bet, as part of its existing deal with the English Football League (EFL), has invested £1m to educate all the EFL clubs about responsible gambling and to conduct an awareness programmes.
The EFL has signed a five-year agreement with Epic Risk Management who will provide a day’s training on gambling-related harm together with follow up counselling and support that any players require to all the 72 EFL clubs.
As part of the programme, new responsible gambling shirt logos will feature on every club’s shirt from the start of next season will also be used for the first time in this weekend’s Play-Off Finals.
Sky Bet will further supplement its programme through an advertising campaign across all media and at Wembley stadium.
A recent Professional Players Federation survey concluded that professional sportspeople are at least three times more likely to be problem gamblers.
According to Richard Flint, CEO of Sky betting and gaming, through the extension of the EFL sponsorship, Sky Bet aims to put safer gambling at the heart of our renewed partnership.
He added: "By funding such a vital service for every club we want to play our part in reducing gambling related harm amongst their players and wider staff. I firmly believe that responsible operators can add value to sport through partnerships like this.”
EFL chief executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “Betting in football should only serve to enhance the matchday experience and I hope that by providing our campaign with visibility at every single game that supporters will be encouraged to stay in control and gamble safely. The work that will take place with EFL clubs, players and staff alike is a hugely significant step forward and will hopefully have a positive impact on all participants in the professional game for many years to come.”