BLACKBURN Rovers chairman John Williams today said the club are monitoring the situation' after the government announced it is to examine whether shirt sponsorships or endorsements involving gambling operators are illegal.

Rovers are one of four Premiership clubs who recently signed shirt sponsorship deals with online gaming companies, prompting concern among MPs that the deals effectively bypass laws intended to protect children.

At present, it is illegal for gambling operators to target children with advertising, and the penalties for doing so are set to be increased once the new Gambling Act becomes law next September.

The position regarding sponsorship, however, is not quite as black and white, which has led some to claim that shirt deals with gambling companies break the law.

Now the Government have announced that the Gambling Commission will begin a consultation process on the issue in the New Year.

The Sports Minister, Richard Cabourn, said he was concerned that gaming companies might be using football to reach children.

He told the House of Commons earlier this week: "There are some concerns about the use of sponsorship in sport and football clubs in particular and the Gambling Commission will be consulting on this issue in the New Year with my full support."

Rovers signed a two-year deal with online gaming company, Bet24, last summer so they will watch developments closely.

"At the moment, there isn't a problem, but we are aware of the situation and we are monitoring it," said Williams.

Premier League rules already state that gaming company logos cannot be used on the front of Academy players' shirts, so Rovers' Under 18s play in kit that does not bear a sponsor.

A further concession being considered by the Premier League is to remove the sponsor's name from Under 16s' replica shirts.