German football fan group calls for restrictions on sponsorship
“Increased media presence” since 2021 betting act passed blamed for normalisation of the industry
German football supporters group Unsere Kurve (Our Curve), has released a statement in which it criticises the prevalence of gambling sponsorships, advertising and exposure within sport.
The group has pointed towards the “increased media presence” of sports betting in Germany. This comes following the passing of the Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv) on 1 July last year.
They also alluded to the myriad of partnership deals that clubs have signed with betting companies since July – the latest of which was inked earlier this week between 888sport and RB Leipzig.
The group has called for sports organisations to place particular focus on raising awareness around responsible gambling and to sever ties voluntarily with any sports betting partners.
This comes following a number of clubs in the UK taking similar measures, most notably Bolton Wanderers and Luton Town who made the pledge to not be sponsored by or partnered with any betting or gaming brands.
In a statement, Unsere Kurve highlighted the normalisation of betting within football stating: “Due to the type and placement of advertising, football fans and spectators will act as if sports betting is a natural part of football and fan culture.
“Problematic gaming behaviour is particularly widespread among football fans. And it is precisely this that is promoted by sports betting providers, because they generate their immense profits mainly through frequent gamblers.”
The statement demanded a ban on betting advertising in sports stadia and on social media while also calling for a ban on further sponsorships or partnerships both with sports figures or teams.
“Advertising partners such as athletes, clubs and even the sports shows give sports betting a serious image through their advertising platform and convey the message that they are harmless,” the statement continued.
In November, the Bremen senator called for an advertising ban to be applied to sports betting however, this suggestion was slammed by the German Sports Betting Association.