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Bet365 has severed ties with former footballer Steven Caulker. Caulker, known for his advocacy against gambling addiction, was set to appear in an online video series sponsored by Bet365 but was dropped due to his public statements on the issue.
Caulker’s advocacy and personal struggles with gambling, alcohol, and depression were first brought to public attention in a 2017 interview with The Guardian. His candidness about these challenges has made him a prominent figure in the debate over gambling in sports.
Bet365 addressed this decision in a statement, citing their awareness of Caulker’s anti-gambling stance during the approval process for the video series. While they appreciated his efforts in raising awareness about problem gambling, they deemed it inappropriate for him to feature in a series they sponsored. Bet365 emphasized that any miscommunication to Caulker about their decision was unintentional and resulted from a misunderstanding with their media partner.
The broader context of gambling in sports, particularly football, has been under scrutiny in the UK. Organizations like The Big Step, which campaigns against gambling sponsorship in football, have criticized the Premier League for not taking stronger action. They argue that the league’s proposal to stop front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships falls short, as it doesn’t address the more visible issue of hoarding sponsorships.
Steven Caulker’s career has seen eye catching moves, including a move to Sierra Leone in 2021 where he now serves as captain. His journey from scoring on his England debut in 2012 to his current role highlights not only his sporting achievements but also the complex relationship between athletes and the gambling industry.