SPFL gambling harm talks equip 94% of players to tackle risks

Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs have taken part in a gambling harm prevention programme this week (18-24 November). 

The talks drew on real-world experiences of problem gambling to help players and staff identify its signs and make informed decisions about their own gambling habits.

Sessions have been held at 16 clubs so far, with five more set for the week after Safer Gambling Week. This milestone marks the halfway point of the season’s planned talks.

Neil Doncaster, Group Chief Executive of the SPFL, commented: “It’s great to see such a strong start to the campaign. The feedback has been positive and, while the size of the problem remains relatively small in Scottish football, we can’t afford to be complacent and are looking forward to a fuller roll-out of the programme as the season progresses.”

A survey of 226 first-team players from 15 SPFL clubs that hosted the sessions revealed a positive impact. After the presentations, 94% of players reported a good or excellent awareness of professional athletes’ vulnerability to gambling harm, up from 72% beforehand.

Additionally, 96% of players said they now feel confident about where to seek support if concerned about their gambling behaviour, while 91% feel equipped to discuss the topic with others who may need help.

Each session has been led by former footballers Dominic Matteo, a former Scotland defender, and Marc Williams, an ex-Wales U21 forward. They share personal stories about how problem gambling impacted their careers and lives.

Reflecting on the programme so far, Williams stated: “The sessions have been really well received and we’ve had lots of positive conversations about our message. Crucially, players are coming forward to discuss their personal relationship with gambling or the culture around gambling that they’ve experienced in Scotland.

“We’re delivering to both the full-time and part-time clubs, and having played both professionally and semi-professionally myself, it’s been great to hear from the players that they can relate to my story. Some of my experiences tally with their own, as I tell them how my gambling transitioned from being fun to being detrimental to my mental health and performance as I moved into disordered gambling.

“It shows how important these sessions are for the players and staff.” 

These sessions were introduced as part of William Hill’s title sponsorship of the league, secured earlier this year.

A key element of the five-year deal is a partnership with problem gambling consultancy EPIC Global Solutions, which developed a programme with the league and bookmaker to provide gambling harm education to SPFL players, staff and fans.

According to the entities, more supporter-focused presentations are set to be held in the coming months.

Per Widerstrom, CEO of evoke and owner of William Hill, said: “The vast majority of our players enjoy our products in a safe and responsible way. However, we recognise that for a small number of players, betting and gambling can become problematic. 

“This initiative, which has already made great progress, will help ensure that local fans, players and colleagues of football clubs know how to identify signs of problem gambling and minimise the risks of gambling-related harm.”