What is it about footballers and gambling?

The recent news that Wonga was writing off £220 million of customer debts would have come as a welcome surprise to British citizens everywhere.

Perhaps surprisingly, however, the news would have likely been particularly welcome to one community of customers – none other than professional footballers. Despite a career earning astronomical amounts, it emerged in October 2013 that many professional footballers were turning to these types of companies to fund their gambling habits, causing an ongoing spiral of debt between the loan sharks and the casinos.

The problem became so prevalent amongst the professional footballing community that a charity was set up by former Arsenal defender Tony Adams. The Sporting Chance Clinic says that 70 per cent of its referrals relate to gambling. The clinic’s chief executive, Colin Bland, said: “You can’t test for gambling. You don’t show up with a hangover; it’s an addictive disorder in some people that affects performance, it affects lifestyle and it wrecks lives.

“We are working with a lot more current football players. We have had players who have got caught up in the scenario of using these companies to help place bets.”

But what is it about gambling that pulls in such high profile players? Addiction does not discriminate; it is simply that those with higher disposable incomes have more freedom to let their addiction get the better of them. Charity founder Tony Adams has himself suffered from gambling addictions in the past, while others have simply been known to flash the cash a little too frivolously. Wayne Rooney, for example, was alleged to have spent an incredible £65,000 in two hours while gambling in 2008.

Of course, as role models to millions of young people around the world, it is up to these notable figures to set an example. This can perhaps be more easily achieved by playing online, where habits are not quite so brazen and in fact encourage responsible play – Mr Smith Casino has a page dedicated to advising players not to go over their limits.

As times change and things begin to ‘go digital’, it could perhaps spell a better future for today’s footballers who may previously have encouraged youngsters to take part in morally questionable activities. With more sites offering footballers the chance to gamble responsibly and away from the media spotlight, we could be in for a more positive portrayal of today’s most respected athletes.