Scottish Greens’ plans to remove gambling sponsorships could hit Scottish football finances, where clubs depend heavily on betting partnerships
Celtic and Rangers FC could see their gambling sponsorships disappear after the Scottish Greens pledged to remove betting partnerships from sport.
In a blog published on 18 March, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay announced plans to remove gambling sponsorships, arguing their visibility can contribute to harmful behaviour.
“Gambling addiction does cost lives, and it should be treated with the same seriousness as drug addiction,” Mackay said.
“That’s why we’re also committed to ending gambling sponsorships in sports, because the last thing you need when you’re trying to beat an addiction is a constant reminder during something you love. And for those under-18, the last thing they need is a gateway to problematic gambling.”
The proposal comes amid wider plans to introduce a surcharge on gambling operators through non-domestic rates, with funds redirected into public health services and addiction support programmes.
Implications for Scottish football
Scottish football, like many other leagues, has always had close ties with the betting industry, with sponsorship agreements playing a significant role in the financial model for clubs and leagues.
This relationship was bolstered in 2024 when the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) agreed a title sponsorship deal with William Hill covering all four divisions. The agreement was reported to be a record-breaking partnership for the league.
At the club level, betting brands are also highly visible. Celtic FC are sponsored by Dafabet on the front of their shirts, while Rangers FC partners with Unibet; Motherwell FC and Hibernian FC also have active deals with betting companies.
These deals are seen as a reliable and high-value source of revenue, with betting brands traditionally paying much more than sponsors from other industries.
If implemented, a ban on gambling sponsorships would likely have a huge impact on club finances. While top clubs have reported record revenues in recent years, profitability is a challenge across the game.
Removing one of the most established sponsorship categories would likely increase the need for alternative commercial partners that will likely not offer the same level of financial return.
A different context to larger European leagues
Moves to restrict gambling sponsorship are happening across Europe, as several major leagues have already taken steps to limit or remove betting partnerships.
Spain’s La Liga has a full ban on gambling sponsorship, while Italy’s Serie A restricts betting-related branding across shirts and stadium advertising. In England, the Premier League has agreed a voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsors from the 2026/27 season.
However, Scottish football operates in a different environment. Lower broadcast revenues and smaller global audiences mean clubs are more reliant on commercial partnerships, particularly those offered by the betting sector.
In addition, some of the restrictions seen in other leagues still allow indirect forms of gambling-related sponsorship. The Premier League’s ban does not include sleeve or training kit sponsorships, while Italian clubs have used infotainment brands linked to betting operators.
Harm prevention
The Scottish Greens’ proposals are focused on reducing the social impact of gambling, with a focus on prevention, support and recovery.
In Scottish football, efforts have already been made to address these concerns. As part of its partnership with William Hill, the SPFL has worked with EPIC Global Solutions to deliver education programmes on gambling harm to players, staff and supporters.
However, the party has been clear that a complete ban is the aim. “What is often marketed as harmless fun can become something much more serious,” Mackay said.
“For too many people, gambling can lead to addiction, which causes debt, severe stress, poor mental health and lasting harm to family life. The damage does not stop with the individual, it spreads to their loved ones, to their households and to their communities.”
