Three-quarters of EFL fans support betting sponsorships in football
The most comprehensive fan survey since 2010 reveals that 46% of EFL supporters gambled online during the last 12 months
Almost three-quarters (71%) of English Football League (EFL) fans believe gambling sponsorship in football is acceptable, according to the league’s 2019 Supporters Survey.
In the EFL’s most comprehensive survey since 2010, nearly 30,000 football fans were invited to give their opinions on a range of topics including shirt sponsorship and responsible gambling initiatives.
When asked about the involvement of gambling companies in football, 71% of respondents said betting sponsorships were acceptable, with 62% stating it was acceptable with suitable safeguards in place to protect the young and problem gamblers.
A quarter of fans said sponsorship by gambling companies was not acceptable in any circumstances.
The survey also found that 46% of EFL supporters placed a bet online over the last 12 months, with 13% placing a bet once a week and 2% placing at least one bet every day.
Exactly half of the respondents who gambled online did so with EFL sponsors Sky Bet, with 28% revealing they only ever bet with the Leeds-headquartered operator.
Source: English Football League 2019 Supporters Survey
The EFL reported that 38% of EFL fans were aware of Sky Bet’s Responsible Gambling Initiative.