“I was a wealthy footballer and played in the Premier League, but I couldn’t stop betting,” says Dean Sturridge, a former striker for English clubs, with striking honesty. His story is not just a personal drama, but a reflection of a serious problem faced by many professional athletes. Why do footballers turn out to be especially vulnerable to gambling addiction, and can the path to a new goal help a person regain themselves?
A career rise brings not only success
Dean Sturridge was born in Birmingham and quickly became a prominent figure in English football. He scored for Derby County, played for Leicester City and Wolverhampton, and his name went down in history as one of the club’s top scorers in the Premier League. However, along with triumph came new temptations. The first large fee — the signing-on fee, which a footballer receives upon signing a contract — became a real test for him. This money was supposed to go towards buying his first car, but was lost to betting in just a few hours. The new financial level opened not only opportunities, but also doors to the world of gambling, where the first signs of addiction can be hard to notice.
Gambling becomes a trap for the athlete
An injury that deprived Sturridge of the opportunity to play became a turning point. Forced inactivity, boredom, and easy access to money intensified his craving for gambling. He describes his state as an “island of loneliness,” where feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation become constant companions. The symptoms of addiction manifest vividly: constant betting, loss of control over his actions, attempts to hide the problem from others. Every day began with hope and ended in disappointment, when there was zero left in the account instead of thousands of dollars.
Financial collapse and family discord
Gambling quickly destroyed the footballer’s financial situation. His fees disappeared in a matter of hours, and he had to borrow money from teammates to cover basic expenses. The list of consequences for his personal life included:
- accumulation of debts and constant anxiety about money,
- alienation from family and children,
- lack of involvement in the lives of loved ones,
- regrets about lost time.
Sturridge recalls how even when surrounded by family, he was mentally not with them, but in the world of betting. This led to a breakdown of emotional bonds and accumulated inner conflict.
Realizing the problem and the first step to recovery
The turning point came unexpectedly. One day, Sturridge’s wife came home earlier than usual and caught him watching horse racing and betting. This became the push that led him to seek help. He experienced a whole range of emotions — from shame to relief — when he first crossed the threshold of a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. The support system of this organization is based on the principles of anonymity, mutual assistance, and emotional support. For many, as for Sturridge, the first step — admitting the problem — is the hardest, but it is the one that opens the path to recovery.
A new life and the desire to help others
After five and a half years in remission, Dean Sturridge became an ambassador for the Gordon Moody foundation, which supports people with gambling addiction. The foundation runs educational programs, helps those with addiction return to normal life, and prevents new cases from developing. Sturridge’s personal experience proved especially valuable for those just beginning their fight with addiction. He shares his story to inspire others not to give up and to seek help.
Why footballers are especially vulnerable to gambling
Professional athletes often find themselves in the risk group for several reasons:
- high income and easy access to large sums,
- stressful loads and pressure from fans and clubs,
- frequent injuries leading to forced inactivity,
- the cult of success and competitiveness, which are transferred into gambling.
According to British studies, among footballers the level of gambling addiction is almost twice the average in society. In response, many clubs are implementing preventive programs, inviting psychologists, and conducting training for young players to reduce the risks.
Why online casinos aggravate the risks of gambling addiction among footballers
Online casinos really aggravate the risks of gambling addiction among professional footballers much more than traditional forms of gambling. This is confirmed by studies from 2023–2025, as well as clinical observations from athlete support centers.
The main catalyst for addiction is that online casinos are available around the clock. This fact is always emphasized by top reviews of online casinos and gambling. Our experts selected several sites from the top search results, and all of them pointed out the possibility to play at the casino 24/7. The authors of the Funky Time game website, available at click here, specifically focused on the fact of round-the-clock availability, since the game is in a live format. According to them, the game’s creators have many studios and dealers who work for players in various time zones. Thus, players only need to pick up their phone to get access to the entire pool of entertainment within seconds.
An additional factor that increases the risk of gambling addiction is anonymity. It is easy for a footballer to hide the fact that he is playing, both from his family and from teammates. At the same time, athletes usually hide the problem longer, as they fear publicity.
Different views on the problem and ways to solve it
Addiction experts emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment. This includes not only psychological support, but also working with the family, financial counseling, and creating an environment where a person does not feel isolated. Representatives of football clubs note that supporting players is the task not only of medical specialists, but of the entire team. Open dialogue, education, and ongoing support help prevent the development of addiction and reduce its consequences.
Does Sturridge’s story inspire belief in change
Dean Sturridge’s story proves that the path to recovery is possible even after serious mistakes. Open discussion of the problem helps break stereotypes and stigma around gambling addiction. The athlete’s personal example inspires others to seek help and not be afraid of change. Sometimes it is an honest story that can change not only one fate, but also society’s view of the problem as a whole.