Bolton Wanderers Ban Gambling Sponsorship
🏟️ What Happened?
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Club: Bolton Wanderers (EFL League Two)
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Action: Banned all new gambling sponsorships and partnerships
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Scope:
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No on-site betting kiosks at the University of Bolton Stadium
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No new commercial or shirt sponsorships with gambling firms
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Will not promote gambling beyond existing EFL obligations
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🎯 Why It Matters
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Bolton is the first EFL club to take such a strong anti-gambling sponsorship stance
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Comes amid ongoing UK government review of the 2005 Gambling Act
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Anticipated outcome: ban on gambling shirt sponsors across English football from 2023
💬 Club Statement
🤝 What They’re Doing Instead
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Supporting charities and initiatives tackling gambling harm
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Launching Team Talk with Bolton Council — a mental health initiative offering safe spaces for men to discuss issues including gambling addiction
🔍 Context
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EFL is currently sponsored by Sky Bet
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EFL Chairman Rick Parry has warned that a gambling ban could cost clubs £40m/year
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Other clubs taking similar steps:
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Swansea City ended gambling ties in 2020
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Norwich City dropped BK8 after fan backlash over inappropriate advertising
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🧾 Summary
Bolton’s decision marks a bold stance on gambling harm and sets a potential precedent for other clubs, especially as the UK moves toward tighter regulation. It reflects a growing desire in football to prioritise social responsibility over short-term commercial gain.
