The British government has urged the Football Association to “reconsider” its relationship with bookmaker Bet365 as concerns grow over the link between problem gambling and mental health issues.
The gambling website streamed 23 third-round FA Cup games at the weekend as part of a deal signed with the FA in January 2017.
The matches were only available to watch if the customer had placed a bet or put £5 ($6.50) in an account in the 24 hours before kick-off.
All third-round matches were delayed by one minute to publicise the FA’s “Heads Up” mental health campaign, backed by FA president Prince William.
The FA agreed a media rights deal with IMG, a sports management company, in early 2017, which permits IMG to sell the rights to show live footage or clips of FA Cup matches to bookmakers. Bet365 acquired these rights from the start of the 2018/19 season.
