Problem gambling is a major concern among the general population, and a new study has found that it is even more of an issue among athletes. According to The Guardian, professional sportsmen are three times more likely than people who do not play sports professionally to have a gambling addiction. The Professional Players Federation commissioned a study by Natcen Social Research.

The research consisted of surveys that were completed by 178 professional cricket players and 170 football players. Based on their responses, the NatCen Social Research found that 6.1% of these could be classified as problem gamblers, compared to 1.9% of members of the general public. 31% of respondents stated that gambling companies encourage professionals in the sports industry to take part in betting activity.

27% noted that gambling sponsorships have an impact on problem gambling, and 25% stated that their teammates are the ones who encourage them to gamble. Of the participants who exhibited problem gambling behaviour, less than 3% stated that they had sought help for gambling addiction. In recent years, many athletes have come forward to share their struggles with gambling addiction.

For example, Matthew Etherington of the Premier League’ Stoke City states that he lost £1.5 million on greyhound racing. While this offers up valuable insight and encourages other sportsmen and spectators to seek help, it seems that more needs to be done in order to truly decrease problem gambling rates in the sports industry.

“Sportsmen are a clear ‘at risk’ group and the whole of professional sport has a duty of care to these young men,” says Brendon Batson, chair of the Professional Players Federation. “We all need to work together to expand and improve the good practice that exists on education and treatment for problem gambling”.  

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George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.