A long-delayed white paper updating the Gambling Act is expected to be published either at the end of this year or the beginning of next
Ivan Toney’s charge for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules has raised fresh questions about the English game’s own close links with gambling.
But what are the FA’s rules and are its attempts to enforce them being seriously undermined by clubs’ being allowed to maintain their own relationships with bookmakers?
Quite simply that betting on football worldwide is prohibited for anyone involved in the professional and semi-professional game in England, as is promoting any such activity in a personal capacity. Strict new rules were introduced eight years ago to simplify a regulation that previously prohibited only bets placed relating to matches, competitions or off-field matters in which participants were personally involved.
That was in place for integrity purposes and there is an argument the current rules unfairly prevent players lawfully gambling on games with which they have no connection. How successful a deterrent the new rules have been is also open to debate, with a string of high-profile players caught out since they were toughened up.