Major online sports betting operator Betway has withdrawn markets relating to player transfers.

The move coincides with yesterday’s resumption of the English Premier League (EPL), following its suspension due to the COVID-19 crisis. Betway says its decision to stop offering odds on the movement of players via ‘football transfer’ or ‘player next club’ markets, will help improve responsible gambling and integrity. 

Betway’s action follows two high-profile incidents involving England international footballers this year. In March, Daniel Sturridge was suspended from all football for four months after it emerged he had divulged inside information about a possible transfer. While in May, Kieran Trippier also landed in hot water, being charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA), for allegedly passing on insider information.

Explaining its decision Betway said it believes “betting on football should be about what happens on the pitch”, and that it is happy to see markets with so many grey areas shut down. The company also called on other operators to follow its lead. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With UK gambling under an unprecedented level of scrutiny, and powerful forces now calling for a complete advertising ban along with other draconian restrictions, Betway’s pre-emptive action to avoid more negative publicity is probably a smart move. Of course, whether other operators will follow suit remains to be seen.

Staying with Betway, earlier this week the operator announced a partnership with esports production company Beyond the Summit, and its sponsorship of CS_Summit 6. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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