The subject of problem gambling returns to UK primetime terrestrial TV screens, as BBC One will air tonight its “Paul Merson: Football, Gambling & Me” (9 pm) programme. The documentary will recount the former footballer’s latest relapse into gambling addiction, triggered by the anxieties of COVID-19’s national lockdown, in which Merson has admitted to losing his entire earnings and life …
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ITV has announced that it will broadcast ‘Against the Odds’ on Tuesday 19 October a new sports documentary series co-developed and funded by Coral. The ten-part series will showcase unique insights on the individual journeys and experiences of athletes who have risen to the top of their sports. Each episode of Against the Odds will be presented and narrated …
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GamCare has reported that its helpline registered a sudden influx in calls yesterday following Paul Merson’s interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) show. The former Premier League footballer revealed his lived experience with gambling addiction and its harmful consequences on family and loved ones. Merson broke down in tears during the interview, revealing that he had relapsed on his …
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The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published its fixture list for the 2022 season, with plans to enhance the number of meetings taking place on both Saturdays and Sundays. In total, the number of races taking place throughout 2022 will be 1,482, down four from the 1,486 showcased in 2021, although the number of weekend meetings will be increased, with …
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Coverage of all England national women’s football team matches will now be broadcast by ITV until 2025 from September onwards. The terrestrial network will provide coverage of all England women’s tournament qualifiers and internationals, including friendly fixtures. Coverage will begin on Friday 17 September for the Lionesses’ FIFA World Cup qualifying match against North Macedonia. ITV now holds the media …
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As the new English football season gets underway this evening, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has pledged to ‘maintain the momentum’ on safer betting and player protection initiatives. This will include the continuation of measures, aimed at ensuring safe betting and protecting younger audiences, such as a pre-9pm watershed whistle-to-whistle ban on TV betting advertising from five minutes before …
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The number of television betting adverts shown on ITV during the 2020 UEFA European Championships has reduced by almost half compared to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, new figures have shown. According to data released by the broadcaster, a total of 85 such ads appeared on ITV and ITV4 during the Euro 2020 group stages – 47% less than the 161 betting adverts shown on …
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RaceTech Chairman Tom Phillips has announced his intention to step down from the position on 30 September, after a ‘distinguished career’ of 15 years. Having first joined RacingTech as a non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee in 2006, Phillips has overseen a number of major initiatives and milestones whilst serving as Chairman of the organisation. The outgoing Chairman …
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ITV has responded to the calls from Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Ronnie Cowan to suspend gambling advertising during the upcoming 2020 UEFA European Championships. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the free-to-air terrestrial broadcaster ran 172 betting-related ads throughout its coverage, whilst over £2.3 billion was wagered in the UK on the tournament. In its statement, ITV detailed: “The …
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BBC and ITV have agreed a four-year deal in principle with Six Nations Rugby for the renewal of the rights to the annual tournament. After entering ‘exclusive discussions’ with the UK broadcast incumbents, Six Nations Rugby confirmed that the new four-year term will begin in 2022 and run until the 2025 edition of the event, covering the men’s and women’s …
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