Gambling addiction is real, but it takes a special kind of stupid to wager money on your own high-profile team in this day and age (Toney, Tonali, etc).

The addiction is extremely simple in terms of how it works: place a bet > yummy adrenaline while you wait for the outcome > yummy dopamine if you win. And repeat.

This same dopamine hit can be achieved by playing literally thousands of different games nowadays with access to vpns — and the players know that.

But to bet on your own teams or related league games? That, imo, is an obvious sign that one’s ego and arrogance have crept into the equation.

Sure, there is an argument that footballers who are gambling addicts eventually need to “chase the dragon” — ie. keep doing riskier and riskier things to achieve a greater high.

But unlike sex addicts who might eventually devolve into illegal prostitution (or worse things) or crack addicts who resort to unspeakable actions to get the cash for their next fix, our pin-up football gambling addicts only seems to receive overwhelming support from their respective clubs and supporters… because you know, they are “addicts” and they “need help”.

Of course they do need help. But why the heck are they able to still receive these crazy salaries while banned? This point boils my blood, as the money comes directly from supporters in the stands as well as TV subscribers.

As for the solution? Create a standard clause in every football contract that covers these exact situations; eg. “If you become banned due to gamble on football, you will receive 5% (or whatever minimal percentage you want) of your salary.

This would protect clubs and also dissuade footballers from putting money on games.