Relationship between football and gambling set to be subject of intense debate

"The government has committed to review the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age" – that has become a stock reply from ministers to any queries about gambling and was used by sports minister Nigel Adams recently in answer to questions asking whether there would be a review of the relationship between betting companies and football, and whether bookmakers should be banned from sponsoring clubs.

It is a debate that seems unlikely to go away and those who do review the Gambling Act are sure to be under pressure from both sides of the argument.

That there is disagreement over the nature of the action that should be taken over betting's relationship with football was evident both within the gambling industry and outside it on Tuesday.