Gambling wrecks lives... I know. Dad lost our home
RUSSELL MARTIN has praised the Premier League’s decision to ban betting companies from shirt fronts – after revealing how gambling robbed him of his family home when he was a child.
The Swansea City boss believes the decision to stop betting firms taking pride of place on players’ chests is a step in the right direction as football tries to lessen its reliance on gambling.
The 37-year-old former Norwich City and Scotland defender has told how gambling led to “horrific” effects during his childhood, when his father was in the grips of addiction.
Martin also says he has seen the problems that gambling can pose for the players themselves.
“I had to move house when I was eight years old, after my dad lost our home because he was a gambling addict,” said Martin (below).
“Then, we moved to a house opposite the bookmakers, which was really good for my dad, but not very good for the rest of us.
“The impact it could have on a good day – winning loads of money – and then the impact it can have negatively when losing, was horrific. Having to live with that atmosphere in your household all the time is really tough.
“Having to stand outside a bookmakers for three hours when you’re supposed to be going somewhere, is really tough.
“So yeah, I hate it. I really don’t like it.”
New rules from the summer of 2026 will not stop top-flight clubs from featuring betting firms on sleeves or on perimeter hoardings. But of the 20 current Premier League clubs, eight – Brentford, Bournemouth, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham – have betting companies as front-of-shirt sponsors. Aston Villa and Wolves wear bettingrelated sleeve adverts. The collective value of the current deals is an estimated £60million a year. The initiative comes as Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney faces a lengthy ban after admitting more than 200 breaches of the FA betting rules. “Having also seen the effect gambling has had on some of my team-mates over the years as well, I really welcome this move,” added Martin. “I think there’s enough money in the Premier League right now for everyone to function and to sustain themselves, and to enjoy themselves a little bit. “I’m not convinced they need the extra money you get from it – albeit I’m really aware that we’re in a competition – the Sky Bet Championship – that’s sponsored by a betting company, so I’ll probably get criticised for that. “So, I’ve never been into it. It makes me feel really uneasy, even if I’ve gone to the horseracing for a day and it’s just a casual thing. I’ve seen the effect gambling can have. “We are talking about social responsibility for such a worldwide product. Football needs to do its bit. “The fact they’re finally doing it is good, and I’m sure that all the clubs involved will find a sponsor willing to give them, if not as much money, then somewhere very close to it.”
Having to live with the impact gambling has on a good day or a bad day was so tough... I hate it