Gambling and soccer: ‘I want the likes of Roy Keane to say we can no longer endorse this’
The Irish Times
A new book warns that the upcoming World Cup will be a 'feeding frenzy' for gambling firms, exploiting football fans and using brand ambassadors.Summary
Darragh McGee, a former footballer and academic, argues in his new book that the gambling industry has hijacked sport, particularly football. He highlights the pervasive influence of betting companies through sponsorships, advertising, and the use of smartphones, which allow for constant engagement. McGee expresses concern that the upcoming World Cup will be a massive recruitment tool for the industry, offering enticing odds that lure new gamblers into a cycle of betting. He criticizes the use of famous footballers as brand ambassadors, arguing that they should not lend their reputations to an industry that causes harm. McGee calls for fans, players, and clubs to take action to reclaim the integrity of the game.
(Source：The Irish Times)