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Bolton's University of Bolton Stadium won't have any betting kiosks
Bolton Wanderers have cut all links to betting, stating that they "didn’t need to” be part of a market where ads are "rammed down to our throats", chief executive Neil Hart.
The League One club that almost went bankrupt two years ago said it wouldn't seek gambling money and has removed betting kiosks from its stadium.
Hart believes that other clubs could survive without the support of betting sponsors.
Hart, chief executive, stated that Bolton wants to win on the pitch but also believes in doing the right things.
"We felt that we weren't needed to be part in the oversaturation of football betting ads.
"We don't say to fans not to bet but we won't provide you with that opportunity in the stadium. It's something we believed.
"The initial indications are that it has been received positively, and our supporters align with us."
Sharon Brittan, chairwoman of the club, stated that "problem gambling destroys lives" and that "we as an industry must make more". She cited research showing there are between 340,000 to 1.4m gambling addicts across the UK.
Sky Bet sponsors the English Football League and its advertising is still on the Bolton Wanderers site. However, the league has stated that it operates within the current laws and encourages responsible gambling.
The Betting and Gaming Council also stated that less children saw betting ads during live sport due to the whistle-to–whistle ban and that 20% of its members' advertisements include safer gambling messages.
Rick Parry, chairman of EFL, stated that a possible ban on gambling sponsorship - which is being reviewed by government as part the Gambling Act Review - could result in a 40m shortfall each year for its clubs and force some clubs to close their doors.
Hart, who was previously chief executives at Burnley, said that Bolton would respect existing relationships between the EFL and betting firms.
He supports the ban on gambling advertising in football, and believes that the club's decision - inspired Brittan – would place the club "ahead the curve" if the law were to change.
He said that it was almost having a lighter touch to it. "No one can deny that we are bombarded with betting ads and that there is an over saturation of it, especially when it comes to the broadcasting of football matches. It's way too much.
He said that he believed clubs could survive without gambling advertising. Others will disagree with me, but I believe the same.
"Bolton was in desperate times two years ago. Sharon and Football Ventures saved the town and guided the city through the pandemic.
"There is now a new way to approach things. We are trying to do it differently with transparency, honesty, and openness.
"I am aware of the opportunities for Bolton Wanderers in this commercial space, and I will work hard to find the right partners that can provide us with longevity and high levels of revenue.
"We don’t have to speak to betting companies in order to do this."
