Swansea City of the EFL Championship has launched a responsible gambling project which aims to educate both supporters and players on gambling related risks.
The project, which has been titled the ‘Responsible Gambling Pledge’, will see the former Premier League outfit appoint fans as ‘Champion Jacks’, who will work alongside club and form part of its decision-making processes around various issues.
Ben Church was the first ‘Champion’ to be appointed in this new scheme and he wasted no time in making an impact as he quickly helping the club to develop its new responsible gambling plan.
Church, an 18-year-old student, commented: “Swansea City believes that sponsorship by betting and gaming companies must be conducted in a socially responsible way.
“It should aim to balance promotional opportunities with measures that help preserve the welfare of those playing or watching and who could be at risk of becoming addicted to gambling or be addicted to gambling already.
“Responsible gambling is an area I feel passionate about and I hope to make a difference.”
The Wales-based football club, who currently feature online operator YOBET on the front of its shirt, has stated it will introduce a number of new restrictions on such partnerships after making a number of commitments regarding the management of its relationships with gambling operators.
These restrictions will include betting adverts across its official club website, social media channels, marketing materials and both matchday and community activities. In addition to this, the club will ensure all of its playing staff will take part in a betting education program while having access to support networks and treatments for gambling-related problems if required.
Swansea City is the latest professional football club to champion responsible gambling, with a variety of other teams having joined forces with Paddy Power following the bookmaker’s ‘Save Our Shirt’ campaign.
