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LONDON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Premier League clubs may lose lucrative shirt sponsorship with gambling companies under a government investigation into the legality of the partnerships. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV>
A report in Friday's Guardian newspaper said British MPs were worried clubs had bypassed laws intended to protect children.
Under UK law it is illegal for gambling operators to target children with advertising and under the new Gambling Act, set to become law next September, the fines will be increased.
The report says it is unclear whether the rules apply to shirt sponsorship, although clubs rely heavily on sales of replica kits, thousands of which are worn by children.
Sports minister Richard Caborn, quoted in the Guardian, said: 'There are some concerns about the use of sponsorship in sport and football clubs in particular and the Gambling Commission will be consulting on this issue in the new year with my full support.'
The growth of online gaming companies has led to several Premier League clubs signing lucrative sponsorship deals.
Tottenham Hotspur clinched a 34 million pounds ($66.68 million) four-year deal with Mansion at the start of the season, while Aston Villa (32Red), Middlesbrough (888.com) and Blackburn Rovers (Bet24.com) are also sponsored by gambling sites.
The Premier League said it was aware of the government's concerns and is considering submissions on behalf of its clubs.
'We are happy to work with the Gambling Commission in their enquiries,' a Premier League spokesman said on Friday.
<BR clear=all><DIV class=text11 style="BACKGROUND: #fff"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>
LONDON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Premier League clubs may lose lucrative shirt sponsorship with gambling companies under a government investigation into the legality of the partnerships. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV>
A report in Friday's Guardian newspaper said British MPs were worried clubs had bypassed laws intended to protect children.
Under UK law it is illegal for gambling operators to target children with advertising and under the new Gambling Act, set to become law next September, the fines will be increased.
The report says it is unclear whether the rules apply to shirt sponsorship, although clubs rely heavily on sales of replica kits, thousands of which are worn by children.
Sports minister Richard Caborn, quoted in the Guardian, said: 'There are some concerns about the use of sponsorship in sport and football clubs in particular and the Gambling Commission will be consulting on this issue in the new year with my full support.'
The growth of online gaming companies has led to several Premier League clubs signing lucrative sponsorship deals.
Tottenham Hotspur clinched a 34 million pounds ($66.68 million) four-year deal with Mansion at the start of the season, while Aston Villa (32Red), Middlesbrough (888.com) and Blackburn Rovers (Bet24.com) are also sponsored by gambling sites.
The Premier League said it was aware of the government's concerns and is considering submissions on behalf of its clubs.
'We are happy to work with the Gambling Commission in their enquiries,' a Premier League spokesman said on Friday.
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