A new player-led Gambling Support Group (GSG) has been launched in the Irish League to support players with gambling issues. This initiative coincides with an increase in sponsorship from betting companies across the men's and women's Irish Premiership, as well as the two League Cups and a regional tournament.
Aaron Hogg, a former Irish League goalkeeper who experienced gambling addiction, is part of the GSG. He noted that gambling habits have changed over his 20-year career, with smartphones allowing 24/7 access to betting and more advanced, instant markets.
Michael Carvill, head of the Professional Footballers' Association in Northern Ireland, highlighted concerns about players' moods changing after checking phones post-games. He emphasised the need to address gambling, which extends beyond traditional forms to include prize websites, TV competitions, and in-game purchases at academy levels.
The Irish FA's betting regulations in Northern Ireland state that players cannot bet on any matches involving their team or league. Despite this, Tommy Canning, head of treatment at Northlands Addiction Clinic, criticised the increased gambling sponsorship, questioning the cost of such lucrative deals.