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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55958315
https://the-bigstep.com/home/f/our-letter-to-11-football-clubs-regarding-direct-gambling
Top British clubs have been urged to stop linking to betting websites from their social media channels because of the potential harm it could cause.
A group of 50 former addicts and others affected by gambling have written to 11 teams in the Premier League, EFL and Scottish Premiership.
They highlight how clubs offer match odds and links to betting sites when revealing starting line-ups on Twitter.
The adverts have also drawn criticism from some football supporters.
The letter, which has support from parliamentarians and leading clinicians, says the group is "distressed" to see this type of advertising, which is "difficult for those of us who are addicted or in recovery".
They also have fears it could influence children who use the social media site without any age controls.
The 11 clubs to whom the group has written are: Manchester City, Arsenal, Celtic, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Burnley, Watford, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Coventry City.
The group has highlighted pre-match tweets which they claim "encourage" fans to place bets on their team and promote free bets with club gambling partners.
Premier League and English Football League (EFL) say their clubs comply with regulations, with the EFL adding its "mutually beneficial" relationship with the gambling industry is conducted in a "responsible manner".
But gambling sponsorship in football is currently being analysed as part of the government's review of the Gambling Act 2005.
https://the-bigstep.com/home/f/our-letter-to-11-football-clubs-regarding-direct-gambling