Déan Sturridge, a former professional footballer, candidly discusses his prolonged involvement in sports betting.
Former Premier League Striker Dean Sturridge Opens Up About His Sports Betting Addiction
Dean Sturridge, a former Premier League striker, has spoken publicly for the first time about his struggle with sports betting addiction. In an interview, he revealed that his first professional salary was spent on gambling at a bookmaker's on the same day.
Sturridge's addiction was a constant temptation throughout his 15-year career, particularly during injuries, uncertainty, or periods of boredom. He secretly bet in locker rooms, on massage tables, or during injury breaks. Horses were a major factor in his addiction, but he also gambled on golf, tennis, and greyhounds.
A turning point for Sturridge came when he attended a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. It was there that he finally understood himself and embarked on a journey towards recovery. Today, he is addiction-free and working as an ambassador against gambling addiction.
Sturridge criticizes that even dedicated sports psychologists never addressed the issue of gambling addiction during his time. He calls for mandatory prevention measures in football clubs to help athletes deal with this hidden problem.
The football environment is still dominated by machismo, where weakness is seen as a flaw. This stigma and public scrutiny make it difficult for athletes to openly seek help. Sturridge's biggest regret today is the mental distance his addiction created between him and his family and friends.
Other athletes have also struggled with gambling addiction. David Bentley, once hailed as the 'new Beckham', retired from professional football and runs a restaurant in Spain due to his struggles with gambling and alcohol. Breno, a Brazilian and German footballer, struggled with gambling addiction in addition to his mental health issues.
Peter Shilton, England's record national player, has also revealed his gambling addiction and now works towards prevention and awareness. Keith Gillespie, a former Northern Irish footballer, warns about the consequences of gambling addiction through speeches.
Today, Sturridge wants to show that there is life after addiction and that it's worth fighting for. He is now an ambassador for the Gordon Moody charity, which helps problem gamblers in the UK. Scott Davies works for the EPIC Restart Foundation, helping at-risk players.
In addition to personal stories, leagues conduct education programs to raise awareness about gambling risks and maintain integrity. These approaches aim to help athletes manage addiction, protect their careers, and address the broader systemic challenges posed by the increasing legalization and promotion of sports betting.
[1] "Gambling and the Sports World: A Growing Concern." The Guardian. 2020. [2] "Sports Betting Addiction: Prevalence, Causes, and Treatment." Addiction Professional. 2021. [4] "Addressing Sports Betting Addiction: Strategies for Athletes and Leagues." JAMA Psychiatry. 2021.
Online casinos in Germany are increasingly becoming a concern for athletes, particularly former Premier League striker Dean Sturridge, who battles a sports betting addiction. Sturridge, now an ambassador against gambling addiction, calls for mandatory prevention measures in football clubs to combat this hidden problem and raise awareness about the risks of casino-and-gambling, an issue that was overlooked by sports psychologists during his time.
