Reading Supporters' Trust 'disappointed' as club appoint gambling partners
The relationship between gambling and football is something which has proved controversial in recent years, akin to the relationship between tobacco and alcoholic sponsors in other sports such as snooker and rugby.
Premier League clubs have voted to withdraw gambling sponsorships on front of shirts as of next season, although there are currently no limitations for sleeve sponsors or advertising hoardings.
Last week, Reading confirmed a new partnership with PricedUp, a UK-based online sports betting and gaming brand which will feature on training wear for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.
The club state: "As part of the agreement, PricedUp will collaborate with the club to deliver exclusive offers and rewards designed to engage and benefit Royals supporters, while also working closely with Reading FC to promote and support responsible gambling practices."
However, STAR have admitted that they are 'disappointed' with the decision.
"We were as disappointed as I'm sure a lot of fans were, to see that we have a new betting sponsor," Chair Sarah Turner commented in her newsletter. " [It is]Not ideal, and I'm sure we'd rather a sponsor from other areas.
"I think we have to be pragmatic and think that the club are working on improving things and the costs are huge. We have banged on about wanting to be sustainable - and that means using income from sponsorship.
"It is, however, positive that the press release mentions that PricedUp will be working closely with Reading FC to promote and support responsible gambling practices and we look forward to seeing how this develops."
Some supporters have also been less than impressed with the decision, although many have gone on to praise the club's pragmatism.
Tim Kilpatrick, Head of Commercial at Reading, commented: 'We are naturally pleased to welcome PricedUp as our Official Betting Partner – in what is an important financial agreement for the club. To work with a UK company, who are forging their own story in their industry, aligns with our own growth ambitions and we're looking forward to supporting each other in reaching our goals.'
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