Gary Lineker is kicking off - and racing could suffer the consequences

The links between football, gambling and bookmakers are seldom far from the headlines these days and the focus is bound to become increasingly acute as the government's review of the Gambling Act goes on.

When the the review was announced, there would have been relief among gambling operators, and the sports clubs and bodies which benefit from the income they provide, at the measured tone of its terms of reference.

The government said it was clear sports bodies should "consider their responsibility to the welfare of fans and supporters" but "equally recognised their right to benefit from commercial deals".