Better Change announces new responsible gambling partnership with Southampton FC

Better Change has signed an agreement with Southampton to launch a new, safer gambling project which kicks off with the upcoming home fixture against West Ham. At the game, the charity’s staff will talk to Saints fans and staff about their relationship with gambling and offer face-to-face and virtual therapy sessions to those who want to discuss any issues they might have in a private environment. There will also be signs informing fans of other organisations and help available to those who feel they need it. Over the season, there will be more safer gambling resources made available on Southampton’s website, as well as virtual support sessions post-match as well. Next year, Better Change will also start working with Southampton’s charitable foundation, Saints in the community, through a series of outreach programmes. David Richardson, strategic partnership manager at Better Change, said: “It was clear that from the first chat with Southampton that they wanted to do something to make an impact and not just something to tick a box. The Halo effect, the club’s sustainability strategy, has perfect synergy with the mission and beliefs of Better Change.” Victoria Reed, founder of Better Change, added: “We are honoured to have been chosen by Southampton as their safer gambling partner. “Having the opportunity to reach out to their fans, staff and the wider Southampton community to provide gambling awareness initiatives is exactly what Better Change exists to do, and we couldn’t have a more receptive, dedicated or passionate partner to work with.” Sarah Batters, partnerships and marketing director at Southampton, commented: “We are pleased to be embarking on this project with Better Change. We recognise that betting can form part of a fan’s experience and can enhance their enjoyment of a game, and so the club takes its responsibility to promote safe betting extremely seriously.” Southampton count Sportsbet.io as its principal partner with the crypto-first operator taking front-of-shirt advertising space on the club’s kits.