#daniel gallan

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Often called a hidden addiction, problem gambling does not leave its mark on the body like other compulsion disorders, such as alcohol or drug abuse. That is why it can be harder to detect - and easier to conceal. This year, a study in the Scientific Reports journal showed about twice the level of problem gambling among top-level sportspeople in Ireland's Gaelic Athletic Association compared with their demographic in the general population. It followed a 2016 Europe-wide study that showed a significantly increased level of gambling problems among professional athletes.

Daniel Gallan, ‘Gambling addiction: Why elite sportspeople are especially vulnerable’, BBC

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For a 2021 documentary, former Arsenal player Paul Merson brought together three fellow ex-footballers recovering from gambling addiction - Keith Gillespie (Newcastle and Northern Ireland), John Hartson (Arsenal and Wales) and Scott Davies (Reading) - to discuss their lives and losses. Tony Adams, Merson and Hartson's former Arsenal captain, founded the Sporting Chance clinic in 2000. It provides support and treatment for current and former athletes to overcome a range of addictive disorders. Adams told the Times in 2022 that Sporting Chance sees more athletes with addictions to gambling than alcohol, describing gambling as "the drug of choice for the Premier League footballer". While perceptions around addiction are shifting, some mental blocks remain. "There is an issue with athletes seeking help, generally, compared to the general population," explains Alex Mills, head of education and communication at Sporting Chance, which had more than 1,000 people in its care last year. "There's a macho aspect to it. There's an ego that's needed to thrive in that world but that can often equate challenges with weakness."

Daniel Gallan, ‘Gambling addiction: Why elite sportspeople are especially vulnerable’, BBC

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"Some players we interviewed believe that an elite athlete's personality type lends itself to gambling issues," explains Kiernan Murray - a lead author on the 2023 paper. "They're competitive by nature. Gambling with team-mates increases their risk. It's a group activity and it's easy to see why they'd want to win. If there is a gambling culture within the team, that can be detrimental." Williams agrees with Murray's assessment. "When a team-mate would win big and I'd lose, that would make me want to gamble even more," he says. "I was always a sore loser. I know a lot of my team-mates felt the same way."

Daniel Gallan, ‘Gambling addiction: Why elite sportspeople are especially vulnerable’, BBC

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In 2014, a survey revealed gambling problems running three times higher among professional male footballers and cricketers, compared with young men in the general population. A potent combination of more leisure time, more disposable income and a strong desire to win at all costs can create an ideal environment for addictive behaviours to germinate and grow.

Daniel Gallan, ‘Gambling addiction: Why elite sportspeople are especially vulnerable’, BBC