Here at Exeter City FC, the club and Trust Boards came together some years ago and agreed that we would not seek, or take sponsorship, from any business promoting gambling or betting, except in exceptional circumstances.

We believe that as a trusted hub of our local community we should create the safest possible environment to watch the game we love, with special emphasis on our younger fans.

As we know, gambling and betting adverts are everywhere – on TV, online, on our phones, in the press, on all media outlets in fact. Many football clubs are reliant on sponsorship from these businesses so we are used to seeing their names and logos when watching football on TV.

We have laws which ban smoking as it has been proved it damages our health, likewise laws restrict the purchase of alcohol to those aged 18+, our two boards considered that making gambling and betting part of the match day experience at SJP could be equally dangerous to mental health.

Despite the decision we have taken at ECFC we can’t escape exposure entirely. As members of the EFL – sponsored by SkyBet – we see the logo on our LED boards and Jeff Stelling now pops up on our big screen, telling us to, ‘know our limits’ or to ‘bet responsibly’.

But why, what’s so wrong with, ‘having a flutter?’

There’s growing concern, backed up by statistics and heart rending personal stories, that gambling for some of us is not always just an enjoyable pastime. It may develop into an addiction that can lead to financial chaos, harm relationships, cause depression and mental health problems and in extreme cases end in suicide.

Safer Gambling Week is an annual event, it is the industry’s attempt to explain how to avoid these problems. There is a lot of information online plus help and advice if you are worried for yourself or for a loved one.

Elaine Davies – Exeter City Supporters’ Trust Trustee and Director