© Athena Pictures/Getty Images Swansea City manager Russell Martin
Russell Martin welcomed the Premier League’s impending ban on gambling sponsorship on the front of matchday shirts after revealing the impact betting had on his family during his childhood.
Earlier this week, the top flight confirmed its 20 clubs collectively agreed to withdraw front-of-shirt betting sponsors by the end of the 2025/26 campaign as part of the government’s review of current gambling legislation.
And Martin said the move was a step in the right direction after opening up on the harrowing impact his father’s gambling addiction had on his youth.
When asked if he welcomed the Premier League’s decision, the Swansea City head coach said: “I do, yeah.
“I had to move house when I was eight years old because my dad lost the house because he was a gambling addict.
“I have seen the effect it can have on people. Then, we moved to a house opposite the bookmakers, which was really good for my dad, but not very good for the rest of us.
“So, I’ve never been into it. I really don’t like it. It makes me feel really uneasy if I’ve even gone to the horses for a day and it’s just a casual thing.
“The impact it could have on a good day – winning loads of money – and then the impact it can have negatively when losing, was horrific. Having to live with that atmosphere in your household all the time is really tough.
“Having to stand outside a bookmakers for three hours when you’re supposed to be going somewhere, is really tough. So yeah, I hate it. I really don’t like it. And having also seen the effect it has had on some of my team-mates over the years as well, I really welcome it.
“I think there’s enough money in the Premier League right now, for everyone to function and to sustain themselves, and to enjoy themselves a little bit.
“I’m not convinced they need the extra money that you get from it – albeit, I’m really aware that we’re in a competition that’s sponsored by a betting company, so I’ll probably get criticised for that.
“We are talking about social responsibility for such a worldwide product. It needs to do its bit. So the fact that they’re finally doing that is good and I’m pretty sure that all the clubs involved will go and find a sponsor that is willing to give them, if not as much money, then somewhere close.”
After the 2025/26 season, top-flight clubs will still be able to advertise gambling companies in other areas such as shirt sleeves and advertising hoardings at stadiums.
Eight Premier League clubs currently have betting sponsors on the front of their jerseys.
Swansea have previously been sponsored by betting companies but – ahead of the 2020/21 campaign – struck a deal with Swansea University as part of a switch to end their association with gambling firms while also promoting local businesses.
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