Irish League Players Launch Gambling Support Group Amid Sponsorship Growth

A new player-led Gambling Support Group has been established in Northern Irish football to provide education and direct help for players affected by gambling addiction. BBC Sport NI reported that the initiative brings together former and current Irish League figures as betting-company sponsorship becomes more visible across the domestic game.

Watch the highlights:

Former goalkeeper Aaron Hogg is part of the group alongside Matthew Snoddy, Aaron Traynor and Michael Ruddy. Hogg, who played for clubs including Crusaders, Glentoran, Portadown, Ards, Carrick Rangers and Dundela during a 20-year career, has spoken publicly about addiction, debt, damaged relationships and depression. He told BBC Sport NI he has not placed a bet for eight years.

The support project is being developed with the Professional Footballers’ Association in Northern Ireland and the Irish Football Association. Contact information has been placed at every Irish Premiership ground, with players able to begin seeking help by text message or by scanning a QR code. The approach is intended to lower the barrier for people who may not feel able to make a telephone call.

Its launch comes during an expansion of gambling sponsorship in the league. BBC Sport NI reported that betting companies now sponsor the men’s and women’s Irish Premiership, both League Cup competitions and a regional tournament. The Northern Ireland Football League said its new Irish Premiership arrangement with BoyleSports was the league’s first partnership valued at more than £1 million.

Betting branding also appears on club kits and at grounds. According to the BBC report, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Crusaders have betting companies on the fronts of their shirts, while Linfield carry one on a sleeve and Larne display one on the back. The league-wide agreement also places branding on sleeves, sponsor boards, player-of-the-match trophies and social media material.

Irish FA regulations prohibit players from betting on matches involving their own team or league, including men’s, women’s and underage football, and bar others from placing such bets on their behalf. The new support group adds a treatment and education route alongside those rules, addressing the personal risks described by former players at the same time that gambling companies are supplying increased commercial investment to the competitions.