Study Reveals One in Eight Grassroots Footballers in England Face Gambling Problems | OneFootball

Football is by far the most popular sport in England with millions of people up and down the country watching and playing on a regular basis. While thousands pack out stadiums in the Premier League and Football League each week, even more are watching on television. However, getting out on to the pitch for local clubs is equally enjoyed by football lovers who take part at grassroots level.

One of the fun elements of watching live football is the ability to predict the outcome of matches and so some enthusiasts place bets on scorelines. Platforms like igaming allow gamers to compare and assess a range of sites which can help identify the most trusted operators that will take their safety and security seriously when betting online. It is important for gamers to always gamble responsibly and be aware of the risks and dangers. This article will look into the figures around the issues surrounding problem gambling on football.

New University Study Highlights Numbers behind Problem Gamblers in Grassroots Football

Grassroots footballers appear to be at risk of running into issues when wagering on the game as, according to new research, 13% of these players who partake in betting on matches meet the threshold for 'problem gambling'; that's five times higher than the general population. The study, led by the University of Bristol, found that the proportion rises to 16.4% among adult men, six times higher than men in the general population.

One in eight players featuring in amateur matches experience gambling problems. This could be that these individuals are around football often during the weekend and so could be enticed to wager on matches at a higher level. The study did show that people who play the game for fun are at greater risk of being negatively affected by betting pursuits. In fact, the numbers involved in the study showed that 70% of players at the grassroots level could succumb to difficulties compared to 15% among the general population.

The View of a Former Pro International

Gambling on games and enjoying the fun of predicting results is now a key part of football culture in the UK. From social media interaction to chatter in the dressing room ahead of grassroots clashes at a local level, these amateur footballers are huge football fans who consistently engage and interact with the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.

Of course, when it comes to marketing, the banter had between fans and the picks they make on matchday will be at the forefront of campaigns though operators also have a duty to highlight responsible gambling practices. Former England international goalkeeper Peter Shilton was asked about the study by the University of Bristol and also highlighted how football plays a key part in social settings.

Speaking to The Independent, he said: “I do think there is far too much advertising, and the way it’s advertised, it’s a group of lads or people having fun, but it can get addictive very quickly. It's difficult to learn that, on average, around two players in every grassroots team are experiencing gambling problems and deeply concerning that 22 per cent of 11-15 year olds admitted to gambling on football in the past month.”

Importance of Responsible Gambling Tools and Commitments

With the statistics published and the knowledge that one in eight grassroots footballers face gambling problems, it's important that society takes note. Already fully licensed and regulated platforms must already adhere to strict laws and rules in order to protect players when gaming online.

With the statistics published and the knowledge that one in eight grassroots footballers face gambling problems, it's important that society takes note. Already, platforms attempt to educate gamers with tips on responsible gambling while artificial intelligence can track player behaviour and alert platforms to problematic gaming patterns. However, with fresh figures provide by this study, there will be a push to do more in order to help and support football fans and amateur players who may run into issues the more they wager on matchday.

Wrapping Up

Betting should always be seen as a form of entertainment and fun that should never negatively impact an individual's life, be it work or social. It's important that authorities and the gambling industry pay attention to studies like that research by the University of Bristol as this could provide clues as to triggers or reasons as to how problematic gambling occurs. Not only that but by following patterns, potential solutions can also be found.