Gamban and PFA NI collaborate to fight gambling issues for players

Gamban

Gamban have announced a partnership with the Professional Footballers’ Association of Northern Ireland (PFA NI) to provide support to footballers who suffer from gambling-related harms. 

The club will provide support by providing the Gamban software support to the organisation, free of charge. 

Gamban is a software tool designed to block access to gambling websites and apps, specifically to support those are struggling with gambling-related issues. 

Michael Carvill, the CEO of PFA NI, believes that the collaboration is a ‘significant step’ to help those that need it:

"As the representative body for professional footballers in Northern Ireland, we are committed to supporting our members both on and off the pitch," said Carvill. 

"Gambling addiction is a growing concern within football and this partnership with Gamban is a significant step in providing practical help to those who need it." 

Melissa Etherington, the partnerships executive at Gamban, highlighted that gambling addiction is a growing issue in football, and that it can impact the integrity of the sport:

"Gambling addiction is a growing issue in football, which impacts mental health, finances and a player's performance on the pitch. 

"It also has the potential to impact sports integrity. We are delighted to partner with PFA NI to raise awareness of Gamban among those most at risk from harms related to online gambling." 

By offering the service, both organisations aim to help professional players from the risks of gambling addiction and provide them with the tools to take control of their wellbeing. 

This initiative also highlights the growing conversation about gambling-related harms in Northern Irish football, with Carvill previously calling it an ‘epidemic’ in an interview with FIFPRO last month. 

Carvill, who played in the Northern Irish Premiership from 2008 to 2021, stated that the league had always been surrounded with ‘big gamblers’, and believed that they had yet to scratch the surface when it came to addressing the issue: 

"When I played in the league, I was surrounded by people who were big gamblers. One player that came to us was doing £500 roulette spins on his phone.

"Players are now starting to speak out on this, which is fantastic and it’s a start, but it’s an issue I think we haven't even got anywhere near to the root of yet." 

The PFA NI also offer a player support group, counselling from Gamblers Anonymous and psychologists for professional help. 

Veteran goalkeeper Aaron Hogg, who played in the top-flight for two decades, also spoke out about his story, and how gambling addiction impacted him financially and hurt his relationships. 

Hogg, who currently plays in the NIFL Championship, told BBC Radio Ulster that he hopes any fellow players that are struggling can come forward after hearing his gambling-related issues. 

"I'm six-and-a-half years debt-free now and I have my family back and relationships back, but it's a difficult road to start and hard to get that back. This is why I want to get the awareness out. 

"Before it gets that bad, if I can share my story that if somebody wants to come and open up to me, I can give advice and point in the right direction." 

If you are struggling with any of the topics mentioned, please follow the link to our responsible gambling page, and look at the support options available.