Self-exclusion specialist Gamban has unveiled a major new partnership with Lewes FC, a semi-professional soccer club based in Lewes, East Sussex, England. The partnership highlights both parties’ desire to keep players aware of the dangers of excessive gambling and the tools available for mitigating the harm.
Lewes FC Has Long Championed Player Protection
According to the announcement, Gamban has teamed up with Lewes FC for the 2026/27 soccer season. The self-exclusion expert noted that the club is no stranger to championing player safety and has been campaigning against the harmful impact of gambling advertising in soccer since 2019.
Lewis FC has also been a key supporter of stricter restrictions and regulations, urging regulatory bodies to do more to prevent gambling harm.
Despite these efforts and even the ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships within the Premier League, Gamban and Lewis FC believe that gambling advertising continues to dominate the sport.
Because of its desire to minimize the impact of problem gambling on soccer fans, Lewis FC was deemed to be a perfect fit for Gamban.
For reference, Gamban’s app is built by people with lived experience of addiction and has been designed to support those in need. As of the time of this writing, an estimated 1.4 million adults in Britain are experiencing gambling problems, necessitating action. Gamban scrutinized the omnipresent gambling ads, arguing that they contribute to the issue.
Gamban Said Lewes FC Is “Leading by Example” in Terms of Protecting the Public
Representatives commented on the agreement, with Gamban’s co-founder, Matt Zarb-Cousin, saying that his team is pleased to join forces with Lewes FC. He applauded the fact that the club has been “leading by example” in refusing betting sponsorships and emphasized that problem gambling is a serious issue.
Sports betting is a gateway to the highly addictive online slots and casinos, which has created an epidemic of mental ill health and financial harm in Britain. Millions of people are now addicted and at-risk, while the gambling industry posts record profits. Lewes FC should be commended for platforming Gamban as an antidote.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder, Gamban
John Peel, the director of Lewes FC, also commented on the matter, saying that his team is pleased to join forces with Gamban, which he described as a “purpose-driven and values-based organization.” He added:
It is timely on our part given the introduction of the new tokenistic rules on front of shirt advertising coming in higher up the football pyramid. And also, our own circumstances, whereby we are mandated to carry gambling advertising on the other sleeve of our shirt.
John Peel, director, Lewes FC
Earlier this year, Gamban teamed up with the Michigan regulator to offer self-exclusion to players in the state.