"As a club which is at the heart of our community, we want to support those who are suffering as a consequence of gambling addiction."
Bolton Wanderers are to sever all non-obligated ties with betting companies and instead back charities that provide support for people with gambling addictions, the club has announced.
The League One side released a statement on Thursday which outlined plans to remove all betting kiosks from the University of Bolton Stadium. They will also not be entering into any new partnerships with betting firms.
The only gambling-related promotions they will be involved with will be ties they are contractually involved to fulfil - namely the Sky Bet sponsorship of League One.
https://twitter.com/OfficialBWFC/status/1441072162098589698
Bolton's statement came on the same day that it was reported that betting company sponsorship on football shirts could soon be outlawed by government.
A review of the country's gambling laws is ongoing, with a report expected to be published in the months ahead. This is almost certain to include proposals to ban front-of-football-shirt sponsorship from betting companies.
Speaking about the steps being taken by Bolton, the club's chief executive Neil Hart said:
"We recognise that some people do want to bet and also that the league has a commercial partnership with a gambling company in place - and we are respectful of this.
"However, we will not take part in any activity to promote gambling outside the existing EFL contractual requirements.
"This means that we will not provide match-day betting kiosks or enter into any new agreements with gambling companies.
"In the spirit of transparency the club does operate a club lottery which allows supporters to take part on a match-by-match or monthly basis with all this fundraising income supporting club-related good causes and supporter engagement projects. We will continue to provide this support for our local community and our amazing supporters.
"As a club which is at the heart of our community, we want to support those who are suffering as a consequence of gambling addiction."
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