Fantasy Premier League: Betting industry sets sights on players

Fantasy Premier League: Gambling Industry Targets Players

Introduction

The gambling industry is increasingly targeting players of the popular online football game, Fantasy Premier League (FPL), according to an investigation by the BBC. Betting firms have been found to sponsor websites and podcasts associated with FPL, raising concerns about their influence on children. The presence of gambling ads and promotions on platforms used by FPL players has alarmed experts and lawmakers, who fear that this could encourage underage gambling and fuel addiction. The relationship between fantasy sports and gambling is complex, with research suggesting that playing fantasy sports can lead to increased gambling behavior. This report examines the issue in detail, discussing the implications for children, the responsibilities of the gambling industry, and the potential impact on addiction.

The Growing Influence of Gambling Ads on FPL

Fantasy Premier League is an online game where players create their own team of footballers and earn points based on their real-world performances. The game is open to anyone over the age of 13, with parental permission required for those under 13. It is run by the Premier League but has a vast community of independent content creators who provide tips and tools for FPL players.

The BBC investigation found that popular FPL-related podcasts and social media feeds have been targeted by gambling firms for sponsorship. For example, The FPL Wire, one of the biggest FPL podcasts, featured advertisements for Fairplay Exchange, a company that allows individuals to place personal bets against each other. Another independent website, Fantasy Football Scout, carried promotional articles for Bet365, encouraging readers to sign up for a fantasy football-themed game with a prize pool of £500,000. Such advertisements raise concerns about the potential impact on children and the wider FPL community.

Regulatory Concerns and Industry Responsibility

Guidelines from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) require gambling ads to not strongly appeal to individuals under the age of 18, especially by being associated with youth culture. Under these guidelines, a Ladbrokes ad featuring Premier League footballers was ruled to be in breach of the ASA code. Lawmakers and experts are now calling for stricter enforcement of these regulations in relation to FPL and other online games.

Carolyn Harris MP, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm, described the BBC’s findings as “deeply concerning” and accused the industry of trying to “infiltrate” sites used by children. It is clear that gambling firms are deliberately targeting the FPL community, viewing it as fertile ground for the acquisition of new customers and potential addicts. This raises serious ethical questions about the responsibility of the gambling industry to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from the harms of gambling.

The Impact on Addiction and Coping Mechanisms

The complex relationship between fantasy sports and gambling is highlighted by academic research from the United States, which suggests that playing free fantasy sports can increase the likelihood of engaging in gambling behaviors. Additionally, a survey conducted in Ireland found that 25% of Fantasy Football participants met the criteria for internet addiction. However, there are also individuals who claim that playing FPL serves as a coping mechanism to manage existing gambling addiction.

The testimonies of individuals like Jamie and Rob, who utilize self-exclusion schemes to prevent gambling addiction, underscore the potential risks posed by gambling ads within the FPL community. They argue that prominent FPL accounts involved in promoting gambling should assess their own practices to ensure they do not exacerbate addiction issues. The responsibility for addressing the impact of gambling on vulnerable individuals lies not only with the gambling industry but also with the FPL content creators who hold significant influence within the community.

Conclusion

The prevalence of gambling ads within the Fantasy Premier League community raises serious concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly children, and the potential for addiction. It is imperative that stricter enforcement of advertising regulations is implemented to protect individuals under the age of 18 from being targeted by gambling firms. The gambling industry has a responsibility to uphold the ethical principles of not promoting gambling to minors and should take immediate action to rectify any breaches of these regulations.

Furthermore, FPL content creators who have significant influence within the community need to reflect upon the potential consequences of their association with gambling ads. They should carefully consider their practices and whether they are contributing to the normalization of gambling and potential addiction within the FPL community. Ultimately, safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting responsible gambling practices should be prioritized to ensure the integrity and long-term viability of online gaming platforms like Fantasy Premier League.