A recent YouGov poll conducted among 1,000 football supporters has shed light on the opinions regarding gambling sponsorships in the Premier League. The findings indicate a significant majority in favor of banning gambling logos from being displayed on the front of Premier League shirts. The survey also revealed support for extending the ban to pitchside hoardings and sponsorship of league and cup competition names. This shift in public opinion reflects growing concerns over the influence of gambling in football. Additionally, the poll highlights the perception of other industries as more suitable sponsors, such as banks and financial services. With a majority of Premier League teams voting in favor of the ban, the landscape of football sponsorships is poised for potential changes.
Strong Support for Ban on Front-of-Shirt Sponsorships:
Out of the 1,000 football supporters surveyed, a staggering 77% expressed their support for the ban on gambling sponsorships displayed on the front of Premier League shirts. Only 8% of respondents opposed the ban, advocating for gambling companies to retain the opportunity for front-of-shirt sponsorships. This overwhelming majority demonstrates the shifting public sentiment and growing concern about the influence of gambling in football.
Extension of Ban to Pitchside Hoardings and League/Cup Competitions:
The YouGov poll also found that a majority of fans, 57% to be precise, favored extending the ban on gambling companies to pitchside hoardings. These physical barriers that surround the field and create a barrier between fans and the pitch are seen as inappropriate spaces for gambling advertisements. Similarly, 57% of respondents agreed that gambling companies should not have the opportunity to sponsor the naming rights of leagues or football cup competitions. These figures suggest that fans are seeking to minimize the visibility and presence of gambling companies within the football ecosystem.
Mixed Opinions on Shirt Sleeve Sponsorships:
Despite recent legislation allowing gambling companies to remain as shirt sleeve sponsors, 42% of respondents believed that this practice should be banned as well. This viewpoint suggests a desire among fans to completely remove any form of gambling company logos from Premier League shirts. However, it is worth noting that the remaining 58% did not oppose shirt sleeve sponsorships, indicating a more nuanced stance on the issue.
Perceptions of Gambling Companies and Other Industries as Sponsors:
The YouGov poll revealed that a significant majority, 77% of respondents, considered gambling companies as inappropriate sponsors for football teams. This sentiment highlights growing concerns about the potential negative impact of gambling on the sport. In contrast, banks and financial services were viewed more favorably, with 70% of fans considering them to be agreeable sponsors. The poll also showed that 39% of respondents supported alcohol companies being allowed to sponsor teams, indicating a more divided opinion on this issue.
Premier League Clubs’ Stance on the Ban:
In a recent vote, 18 out of the 20 current Premier League teams voted in favor of the ban on gambling sponsorships. Two clubs abstained from the vote. It is worth noting that eight clubs currently have deals with gambling companies that include front-of-shirt sponsorships. The poll results and the clubs’ support for the ban suggest a growing recognition of the need to address concerns surrounding the influence of gambling in football.
The YouGov poll highlights the overwhelming support among football supporters for a ban on gambling sponsorships in the Premier League. The findings indicate a strong desire to limit the visibility of gambling logos on shirts, pitchside hoardings, and league and cup competition names. This shift in public opinion reflects concerns about the impact of gambling in football and a growing preference for alternative industries, such as banks and financial services, as sponsors. With a majority of Premier League teams voting in favor of the ban, it is evident that the landscape of football sponsorships is undergoing significant changes in response to these concerns.