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Betting deals at risk and financial hit looms for football clubs as ban considered by Government

Burnley signed up a betting firm as their main shirt sponsor for this season

Konastantinos Tsimikas of Liverpool with Burnley's Dwight McNeil during the Premier League match at Anfield on August 21, 2021.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Any possible extension of Premier League club Burnley's main shirt sponsorship deal with a British financial and sports betting company could be at risk following reports of a potential ban by the Government.

The Turf Moor side announced the deal with Spreadex Sports in July for the 2021-22 season.

However, any future agreement with the business could now be under threat after a report in the Daily Mail suggested that a ban on clubs partnering with betting companies is expected to be one of the recommended actions within a Government White Paper on the review of the existing Gambling Act.

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A total of 15 football clubs in England's top two divisions have shirt sponsors from the betting sector: Brentford, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Southampton, Watford and West Ham United in the Premier League as well as Derby County, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Stoke City, Bristol City and Middlesbrough in the Championship.

In response to the reports, Bolton Wanderers confirmed they are to cut all ties with betting organisations and will instead support charities which provide help for people with gambling addictions.

The League One club will no longer provide on-site betting provision at the University of Bolton Stadium or enter into any new commercial partnerships and sponsorships with firms representing the gambling industry.

"Problem gambling ruins lives and we've taken this stance to show our support for those who are suffering from a betting addiction," said chairman Sharon Brittan.