Crystal Palace Football Club and GambleAware have announced a new partnership to address concerns about gambling-related harm within football.

The football club and the charity have teamed up to produce advertisements and promotion materials to raise awareness of the risks of gambling. Messages, which will be visible to spectators on the ground and to viewers at home, will appear across the perimeter of the pitch and on screens throughout the stadium.

Aimed at both players and fans alike, the campaign will take place during the final three games of the season. The initiative is designed to raise awareness of the advice and support that is available at BeGambleAware.org, and to encourage conversations about safe and responsible gambling activity.

As one of the nine Premier League clubs that are currently sponsored by gambling companies, Crystal Palace is the first club to take part in an initiative like this. GambleAware hopes other clubs will be encouraged to do the same and recognise their responsibilities in helping to raise awareness of the risks of gambling.

Marc Etches, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said:

“This is an important first step towards a deeper and broader action plan to address the ever-closer relationship between gambling and football.  As the first professional football club to make this commitment, Crystal Palace is setting a great example to other clubs, and not only those with gambling sponsors because all benefit from the income that flows from television deals funded by the ever-growing amount of gambling advertising around live sport.”

Steve Parish, Chairman of Crystal Palace FC said: “As a Premier League club, we recognise our responsibility of helping promote safe and responsible gambling.  I’m pleased  that Crystal Palace are the first club to form a partnership with GambleAware, and I hope we can play a part in raising awareness about their service, and help those individuals who need support.”

Jon Collins, Director of ManBetX said: “ManBetX are committed to helping people gamble responsibly and welcome the club’s involvement with GambleAware. As the official shirt sponsor of Crystal Palace FC, we have an added degree of responsibility to support those who offer help and free advice to ensure people gamble responsibly, both within football and the wider community.”