Gambling addict Paul Merson is to take on the betting companies with a hard-hitting BBC film exploring the hold they have over the world of football.
The former England legend, who has gambled away more than £7million over the past 30 years, was seen weeping in ITV’s 2019 series Harry’s Heroes, as he admitted he had not beaten his long addiction and was feeling suicidal.
Recently reformed after seeking professional help, Merson, 53, has given up booze as well as betting and now wants to understand why his life has been so blighted by his addiction – and explore the relationship between gambling and football.
With many clubs in the top two divisions of English football promoting gambling companies on their shirts, he wonders if an entire generation of young Brits is at risk of following the same, dangerous path he went down.
(Image: Getty Images)
The dad-of-seven, who sometimes placed single wagers worth £80,000, told the Mirror: “If this film helps just one other person affected by the issue of problem-gambling, it’s been worthwhile”.
His documentary is timely as the government is currently considering whether to change the laws governing the betting industry.
A recent House of Lords report found that a third of a million people in the UK are problem gamblers, with 55,000 of them children.
It discovered that, on average, a problem gambler commits suicide every day.
The gambling industry spends £1.5 billion a year on advertising, and 60% of its profits come from the 5% who are already problem gamblers.
(Image: Getty Images)
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BBC commissioning editor Jack Bootle says: “It’s impossible to escape the constant marketing campaigns from the betting industry.
“With fans and players at risk of being drawn into addiction, it’s the perfect time for Paul to explore the uncomfortable relationship between football and the gambling industry – and ask if it needs to change.”
Back in 2019, the former football ace was seen crying on ITV’s Harry’s Heroes show.
(Image: S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He admitted at the time: “My gambling is out of control.”
The star wept: “I’m struggling with life at the moment. Gambling. I’ve lost control completely again.”
Paul Merson: Football, Gambling and Me will air on BBC1 later this year.
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