The gambling market is huge, and operators carry a great deal of influence. While some keep to themselves, others use their power for good. Paddy Power is one company that is putting its place in the public eye to good use by extending its Right Behind Gay Footballers campaign. A study by Stonewall, a gay, lesbian and bisexual charity, recently published a report about anti-gay abuse in football league.
According to the report 70% of fans who have been to a football match have heard anti-gay language being used. 60% believe that this type of language and treatment discourages gay players from coming out. More than 50% of fans believe that football regulators should be doing more to prevent anti-gay abuse.
The Right Behind Gay Footballers initiative was launched last year, as the online gambling operator felt that it was necessary to bring attention to the issue. Paddy Power teamed up with Stonewall to send rainbow shoelaces to every football player in UK clubs. On September 21st and 22nd, they were encouraged to wear the laces to show their support for gay players in UK football.
“Our Right Behind Gay Footballers campaign was full of mission and mischief in equal measure,” says Christian Woolfenden, Marketing Director for Paddy Power. "We made a fantastic start in 2013, but we have plenty more to do, to kick homophobia out of football." Now, Paddy Power has announced that the company will be extending its campaign into 2014.
Officials have not yet announced how Paddy Power will make an impact this coming year, but we are confident that they will come up with a creative way to help tackle anti-gay abuse in the world of football. It is great to see online gambling operators standing up for a good cause. Hopefully, Paddy Power will inspire other online casino firms to speak out against LGBT abuse in the coming year.
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