West Ham United are ‘highly likely’ to stick with Betway for the foreseeable future – ExWHUemployee
West Ham are “highly likely” to stick with their Betway sponsorship agreement for the foreseeable future with clubs set to find out the new rules on gambling sponsors on kits soon, according to ExWHUemployee.
The Daily Mail [2 March, page 69] reported that a number of Premier League clubs will be reviewing their shirt sponsorship deals with the Government’s forthcoming White Paper action on gambling reform close to being published.
The Hammers have been in partnership with Betway for over 8 years having signed the initial agreement back in 2015, and although new proposals could significantly alter that arrangement, Ex has reported that this is unlikely to have an impact for next season.
Ex also reported on 18 February [West Ham Way] that “West Ham are edging closer to finalising a deal with a kit manufacturer Umbro to commence from next season.”
Speaking on his The West Ham Way Patreon account [3 March], he said: “It appears the changes are not going to be law but more advice from the government.
“This means West Ham at this stage are highly likely to stick with Betway for the foreseeable.
“A new deal with Umbro is also close, so next season its looking like West Ham will be with the same sponsors and kit manufacturer.”
Care taken
There has been a lot of controversy and scrutiny surrounding kit sponsors featuring various betting companies recently and the Hammers will need to take the issues of gambling addiction into account when making a final decision.
It does seem as if the club will be continuing with Betway for next season, but how will that help people who are dealing with the effects of gambling addiction, and what does it teach young and up-and-coming footballers if clubs are exposing and endorsing such companies on their shirts?
We’ve already seen the damaging effects of gambling on professional footballers, especially in a well-renowned player such as Ivan Toney who’s expecting to be banned in the coming months after betting breaches in his younger days as a youth footballer.
West Ham really need to take incredible care about the message their sending with this news, let’s hope the government make the right decision when their White Paper on gambling sponsors comes to light in the coming weeks.