John Baron MP highlights gambling campaign

MP: Billericay Town FC is running a good campaign

Last year, Billericay Town FC launched a new initiative to raise awareness of safer gambling initiatives. The club will now promote gambling reform and will support a new partnership of support groups, including ‘All Bets Are Off’, ‘Gambling with Lives’ and ‘Gamban’. By promoting independent gambling support, Billericay Town FC is joining a growing number of football clubs which have done so, as well as rejecting gambling sponsorship.

The announcement came as the Government is running its Review of the 2005 Gambling Act, which is designed to address the outdated nature of the current legislation.

John said,

“Although the majority of people gamble safely, gambling addiction and related harms are important issues. I therefore encourage wide submissions to the Government’s recently-launched gambling review, which will directly influence future legislation.”

“Meanwhile, Billericay Town FC is running a good and positive campaign, in conjunction with other clubs, to raise awareness of gambling in football and to signpost people harmed by gambling to the support they need.”

James Grimes, founder of The Big Step and senior programme manager at Gambling with Lives, added:

“We’re delighted to have the support of Billericay Town during a pivotal time for gambling reform in the UK. As a recovering gambling addict and massive football fan, I’m passionate about ensuring that football is part of the solution in tackling issues around gambling that tarnish the sport. John’s added support will mean a lot for the club and all of us who are campaigning to reduce gambling related harm.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Step is a charity project that founded by people with lived experience of gambling harm. Their campaign centres around ending gambling advertising and sponsorship in football.
• For The Big Step & Gambling with Lives, please contact James Grimes, Senior Programme Manager, on 07518 347 610.
• For Billericay Town FC, please contact Nicky Hayes on 07789 130 318 or nicky_hayes@btinternet.com.
• The Gambling Review is running a call for evidence until 31st March 2021. Details of how to make a submission are online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-gambling-act-2005-terms-of-reference-and-call-for-evidence.