Gambling and sports betting is a massive business, and unfortunately a massive presence in the Premier League, which is more than happy to take millions from these companies (see also: NFT) and, in turn, more than happy to let these agencies make even more money defrauding fans (or worse) and making betting an integral part of the game. (While also taking high morals on all betting infractions.) That’s practically a double standard, although I guess that shouldn’t surprise us anymore.
Unfortunately, the clubs themselves are also fully complicit, with a large number of teams in the top four divisions sponsored by betting companies large and small in various guises. Chelsea also have a betting partner, Parimatch, who signed a three-year deal last summer.
NEW: Parimatch becomes the latest Chelsea partner to distance itself from the club: “After reviewing the situation, we have decided to suspend all joint marketing and branding campaigns with the Club displaying the Parimatch logo and brand.”
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) March 17, 2022
At least we used to. Parimatch today joined Three UK, Hyundai, and whoever Zapp are/were, in suspend their sponsorship.
Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I hope they put it on hold for good. And I hope that whoever the new owners are, we keep the betting companies out of Chelsea Football Club. Thank you in advance.
Numbers in this great piece of @nancyfrostick are startling – 250-650 gambling related suicides in the UK every year! 20 million people in the UK play regularly! 60% of profits come from 5% drug addicts! https://t.co/Ys9PClJi8v
—Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 9, 2021