Over the past few weeks, the Italian FA have been busy dealing with the fallout of a betting scandal. As many as ten players could be suspended for betting on matches while being active players for their teams. These players range from emerging young stars like Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli, to veterans like Stephen El Shaarawy. El Shaarawy has denied the allegations, while Fagioli was recently suspended for seven months due to his willing disclosure of the bets. Fagioli was very open about his struggles with gambling, explaining how he was fearful for his life after borrowing well over three million Euros to gamble. Although I am encouraged by the comments made by the Italian FA regarding how they will provide resources to help these players, I am not confident in a systemic solution that addresses the issue with empathy.
Gambling can be an addiction comparative to substance abuse. I have no qualifications to determine what is or what is not an addiction. I defer to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which has listed “gambling disorder” as a behavioural addiction. Various studies have estimated that one-fifth of all gambling addicts attempt suicide. This is very clearly a mental illness. However, we as a society seem completely oblivious to it. In fact, many commentators and sports fans have lambasted gambling-addicted athletes for throwing away their careers to make idiotic sports bets.
From my personal experience, a gambling addiction is rooted in irrational thinking. When Brentford striker Ivan Toney was caught gambling on his own matches, the media punditry in England was flummoxed that a rising star would derail his career in such a manner. However, I would be comfortable assuming that Toney was not thinking about his career when he was making his wagers. None of these players were thinking about the consequences of getting caught. Like a drug addict, they just needed their next fix. Even though they had millions already, they still needed that dopamine hit. Toney was suspended for eight months and diagnosed with a gambling addiction. I hope that all of these players get the help and resources they need to beat their addictions.
I just hope those same sentiments can be had for those who are gambling addicts but not athletes. I have personally seen lives destroyed by gambling addictions. I have seen how a gambling addiction can derail all possible financial security for other members of a family. I have seen how a gambling addiction can impact friendships and ruin careers. As a result, I have been horrified with the legalized online gambling rollout in Ontario. I know fellow sports fans will remember the annoying Aaron Paul Bet365 ads or the incessantly horrendous betting segments in literally every single live sports broadcast. I fear that the avalanche of gambling adverts in Ontario will lead to a new generation of gambling addicts.
As a society, we really need to ask if the government revenue is worth it. Of course I know the gambling companies are following all necessary legislative requirements to operate. There are built-in safety checks and deposit limits to ensure losses do not spiral out of control. However, addicts will find a way. They will circumvent the rules and find a way to experience that dopamine hit. Are the government revenues worth the additional suicides that will arise from the populace due to increased exposure to gambling? We in Ontario have limited studies regarding the suicide rates since legalization was only introduced in April 2022. However, indications from the UK do not inspire any positive outcomes.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text at 247247 or chat at www.connexontario.ca.