Ladbrokes warns of sponsorship cuts ahead of possible FOBT changes

A slash in sponsorship budget is in the offing for betting operator Ladbrokes Coral if the UK government ultimately decides to reduce the wagering levels of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs).

In a bid to fight problem gambling, government officials in the United Kingdom are in the midst of reviewing proposals for a new legislation, including one that suggests decreasing the maximum stakes on FOBTs from £100 per spin to as little as £2.

For Ladbrokes Coral, such a move will greatly affect its income, resulting in the betting operator to make some changes elsewhere—like making cuts in its sponsorship budget. Ladbrokes spends £8 million (US$11 million) yearly on sporting event sponsorships, almost £3.5 million of which dedicated to horse racing.

The betting giant also sponsors the Rugby Football League Challenge Cup and the Scottish Professional Football League, in addition to partnerships with snooker and darts.