Former Liverpool FC star Dominic Matteo is using his personal experience with gambling addiction to help raise awareness among at-risk soccer and rugby players in the UK. Matteo, a Scottish football legend, recently opened up about his struggles with a gambling addiction that led him to accumulate £1 million in debts, with half of that owed to a single bookmaker. The pressure to repay £500,000 without his family knowing weighed heavily on Matteo, ultimately leading him to bankruptcy in 2015.
Matteo’s story has become central to his work with EPIC Global Solutions, a gambling harm prevention specialist. Through sharing his own “gambling hell,” Matteo hopes to prevent others from falling into the same trap. He is set to speak with players in English professional soccer leagues, the Scottish Premiership, and rugby franchises to highlight the dangers of gambling addiction.
The former defender’s journey into gambling began in his youth in Southport, UK, where he would bet small amounts on slot machines at the fairground. As his soccer career progressed, Matteo found himself immersed in a culture of gambling among fellow players, with card games and horse racing bets becoming commonplace. Despite achieving success with Liverpool FC in the 1990s, Matteo’s gambling problems escalated after leaving the club in 2000 and joining Blackburn Rovers.
Injuries and a decline in his playing career left Matteo with more time to indulge in gambling, leading to larger bets and financial strain. The decrease in income post-retirement exacerbated his gambling addiction, causing tensions at home and strain on his relationships. Matteo acknowledged the impact his addiction had on his family, particularly his wife, who supported him through his struggles with a brain tumor in 2019.
Now in a better place, Matteo credits his wife and children for their unwavering support and understanding. He emphasized the importance of family unity in overcoming addiction and expressed his gratitude for their continued support. Matteo’s wife, Jess, will also be involved with EPIC to share her perspective on how his gambling addiction affected their family.
Overall, Matteo’s story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and individuals at risk of developing a gambling addiction. By sharing his personal journey, Matteo hopes to educate others on the dangers of compulsive gambling and provide support for those facing similar challenges. His work with EPIC Global Solutions aims to raise awareness and prevent future cases of gambling harm among sports professionals in the UK.