For now, it is not allowed for New Zealand national football teams and players to participate in sponsorship or advertising agreements with gambling companies. It is made by New Zealand Football (NZF) to avoid growing concerns about the influence of gambling on football and the possible harm it can cause to vulnerable fans.
While NZF’s decision has been admitted by many as a step towards the right direction, some question whether the English Premier League (EPL) should follow it. While gambling companies are in close relationships with football teams, the question remains: should the world’s most famous football league also deny its teams and players from promoting gambling?
New Zealand Ban on Football Gambling Advertisement: Overview
According to the New Zealand Gaming Act of 2003, any form of sponsorship or advertising from gambling companies for its national teams and players is prohibited. This decision comes after a review of NZF’s policies on gambling, which aims to protect vulnerable individuals from the possible harm caused by compulsive gambling.
The ban covers all levels of the sport, from grassroots to the national team, and even extends to social media platforms. For instance, Casino Deps is the best portal featuring NZ casino operators for bettors that support responsible gambling policies and do not attract their customers through football advertisements.
NZF’s move has been widely supported by anti-gambling advocates, as a reasonable step in order to reduce the influence of gambling on sports, which is extremely important considering the gambling statistics.
Football Gambling Advertising in the United Kingdom
Gambling advertising has become common in the United Kingdom especially in relation to football teams, players and match broadcasts. The UK Gambling Act of 2005 allowed gambling companies to advertise on TV, radio, and other media sources.
The Gambling Act led to the spread of gambling advertisements during football matches. The English Premier League, in particular, has become a platform for gambling sponsorship, with many teams and stadiums featuring the names of betting companies.
While gambling generates a lot of taxes for the United Kingdom, it has always been a question whether the impact of gambling ads on vulnerable bettors, including young people and people with bad gambling habits worth it. That is why there is prohibited gambling advertising on sites for children, under-18 football shirts, and so on.
What are the Benefits of Banning Gambling Advertising?
Banning gambling advertising is a contentious issue that has been debated by lawmakers and industry stakeholders alike. Supporters of such a ban argue that it can bring about several benefits, including protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, reducing the normalization of gambling, and promoting a healthier relationship with sports.
Promote Responsible Gambling
One of the key advantages of banning gambling advertising is that it can promote responsible gambling practices. By removing the constant stream of advertisements that promote high-risk gambling behaviours, individuals may be less likely to develop problematic gambling habits.
Instead of gambling advertising, operators can focus on promoting responsible gambling tools and such practices as setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and providing resources for individuals who need highly-specialized help.
Protect Vulnerable Gamblers
Another benefit that can be obtained in the case of banning gambling advertising is the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly problem gamblers. According to the NZ Government Act on gambling for money, the government has to control and monitor gambling advertising. Gambling advertising can exacerbate addictive behaviours, leading to financial and psychological harm.
By limiting exposure to gambling promotions, a ban can reduce the risk of these individuals being drawn into a cycle of addiction and minimise the associated negative consequences. Another critical category in this regard is children who are especially at risk due to psycho-emotional peculiarities.
Remove The Risk Factor For Compulsive Gambling
For individuals who struggle with addiction, seeing constant advertisements for betting and online casinos can trigger their desire to gamble, leading to harmful behaviour. By eliminating these ads, those with a gambling addiction have one less temptation, making it easier to resist the urge to gamble and seek help and special assistance.
Make Football not Dependent on Gambling Funds
One of the benefits of banning gambling advertising is that it can make football less dependent on gambling funds. Many football clubs and leagues rely heavily on sponsorship and advertising deals with gambling companies to generate revenue.
By banning such advertising, football can become less reliant on these funds and explore alternative sources of revenue, such as merchandise sales, ticket sales, and non-gambling sponsorships. This can create a more sustainable financial model for football that is not tied to the gambling industry.
The Final Words
In conclusion, the decision by New Zealand Football to ban all forms of sponsorship or advertising from gambling companies for its national teams and players has sparked a debate on whether other football leagues, such as the English Premier League, should follow suit.
The EPL generates significant revenue from gambling sponsorships and advertising. Football fans should always be aware of any news and changes regarding the English Premier League overall. Banning such advertising can promote responsible gambling practices, protect vulnerable gamblers, reduce the risk factor for compulsive gambling, and make football less dependent on gambling funds.
As the impact of gambling on sports continues to be a concern, a ban on gambling advertising can be a positive step towards promoting a healthier and more sustainable relationship between sports and the gambling industry.
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