GambleAware’s #CanWeHaveOurBallBack is designed to generate conversation and prompt reflection about the impact of betting on football and ask the question whether betting is taking away the nations’ love of football.
The launch of the national conversation comes off the back of recent financial analysis by GambleAware and gambling industry specialists Regulus Partners which shows that 80% of marketing spend by gambling companies is now online.
This surge in online spending coincides with growing concern about the nature and extent of gambling-related marketing and whether it has led to the normalisation of gambling for children. Figures released last week by the Gambling Commission show that that 450,000 children spend their own money on gambling, and that 55,000 children are problem gamblers.
This is an important initiative which brings much needed attention to a growing issue in our community. Football is a game which is enjoyed by people of all ages, but without a frank discussion about the recent uptick in gambling-related marketing, we’re in danger of forgetting the reasons we fell in love with the sport in the first place.
I hope this initiative encourages local fans to reconsider their relationship with betting and football, and remember that ultimately football is about enjoyment without the need to bet on the outcome.
The #CanWeHaveOurBallBack online video is directed by BAFTA nominee Scott Lyon, and can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8lXRAeHYDg&feature=youtu.be.
Ronnie Cowan MP 