GI Huddle Episode 3 with David Cooke and Guests

Introductions

• Host: David Cooke
• Panelists: Tim Poole, Matheun Debate, Nathan Joyce
• Focus: Gambling sponsorship in sports, particularly in the UK

Key Discussion Points

Media Backlash Against Gambling Sponsorship

• Prevalence in UK sports, especially football
• Statistics: Last season, 9 Premier League teams and 17 out of 24 Championship clubs had gambling sponsors

Industry Concerns and Reactions

• Expectation of backlash due to similarities with tobacco and alcohol sponsorships
• Modern 'clickbait' culture amplifying negative perceptions
• Debate on whether the gambling industry should be worried or just carry on

Effectiveness and Ethics of Sponsorships

• Recent Deals: Wolves with ManBetX, Burnley with LoveBet, Aston Villa with W88
• Questions about whether sponsorship impacts consumer behavior
  • Personal insights: Some say it raises brand awareness but doesn’t impact gambling decisions directly
  • Example: Marlboro sponsoring Ferrari didn’t make viewers want to smoke
• Importance of promoting good deeds tied to sponsorships
  • Example: 32Red's mental health initiatives
  • Public skepticism about motives behind such acts

Marketing Approaches

• Value perception in sponsorship deals: Lesser-known clubs vs. top-tier clubs
• Value of Lower-Tier Clubs: Sponsoring smaller clubs still offers good value due to high viewership
• Asian market's attraction to Premier League clubs due to global following
• GVC Example: Discussion around GVC’s idea to end shirt sponsorships
  • GVC brands like Ladbrokes and Coral have broader visibility; losses in visibility might not harm revenue significantly
• PR issues: Negative media coverage even when gambling companies undertake good deeds

Operator Strategies

• Due Diligence: Whether operators consider social impact when choosing clubs to sponsor
• Comparison with US Market: US sports adopting gambling sponsorships post-PASPA repeal, emphasis on broadcasting over shirt sponsorship

Potential Future Developments

• Complete Advertising Ban: Debate about potential complete bans on gambling sponsorships in sports
  • Reflection on the protocols seen in Italy
• Regulatory Changes: Anticipation of tighter regulations rather than total bans

Conclusion

• Insights into how the industry can manage its public image more responsibly
• Highlight the balance between revenue from sponsorships and public perception

Wrap-up

• Encourage listeners to stay tuned for future discussions
• Availability of print issue and online content