Clapton Community Football Club has become the 17th club to back The Big Step’s campaign to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football.

This adds to the growing resistance against gambling advertising across all levels of English football, with the Gambling Act currently being reviewed by the government.

It is rumoured that gambling shirt sponsorship in the Premier League could be banned in the new Gambling Act, but The Big Step and Clapton CFC are demanding an end to all promotion of gambling across all levels of football.

Football is so often the ‘hook’ that draws first-time gamblers in, many of whom are then cross-sold highly addictive, dangerous gambling products.

Research suggests there are up to 650 gambling-related suicides every year in the UK, with those addicted to gambling up to 15 times more likely to take their own lives than members of the general population.

By backing the campaign, Clapton CFC is joining the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Luton Town, Forest Green Rovers, Edinburgh City, Dulwich Hamlet and Drogheda United.

On the decision to join the campaign

As a community benefit society, Clapton CFC was founded on the values of self-help and solidarity. In line with our ethical investment and sponsorship policies we would not accept money from gambling companies, as we know the damage and poverty that gambling addiction can cause to individuals and their families. Clapton fans of all ages will never be exposed to gambling ads from our club or from anyone representing it. We are more than happy to join the Big Step campaign.

Club spokesperson

Football supporters are sick of the nauseating amount of gambling advertising in our sport, so it feels special for a fan-owned club like Clapton CFC to support our efforts.

“The club shares our values, and we are honoured that they have taken this big step with us. Children have a right to watch football without being encouraged to gamble and Clapton CFC’s stance will be to the benefit of their young fans and those harmed by gambling in their community and fanbase.

“With more and more clubs from all leagues saying no to gambling ads, we have no doubt that the writing is on the wall for the gambling industry’s hold over football.”

James Grimes, Founder of The Big Step and recovering gambling addict

The Big Step is a campaign to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, led by people harmed by gambling. The campaign is part of the charity Gambling with Lives, which was set up by families and friends that lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide.

More info

The Big Step

The Big Step is a campaign that was formed and is run by people with lived experience of gambling harms. Their campaign revolves around ending gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, part of the wider Gambling with Lives campaign. You can find out more here.

Gambling with Lives

Gambling with Lives was set up by the families and friends of young people who had taken their own lives as a direct result of gambling. You can find out more here.