PFA Northern Ireland Partners with Gamban to Support Players and Tackle Gambling Harm

The Professional Footballers’ Association of Northern Ireland (PFA NI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Gamban, a leading gambling-blocking software provider, to help support its members in tackling gambling-related harm.

This partnership will provide PFA NI members with free access to Gamban’s industry-leading technology, which blocks access to gambling websites and apps across multiple devices. By offering this service, PFA NI aims to protect players from the risks of gambling addiction and ensure they have the necessary tools to take control of their well-being.

PFA NI CEO Michael Carvill said:

“As the representative body for professional footballers in Northern Ireland, we are committed to supporting our members both on and off the pitch. Gambling addiction is a growing concern within football and this partnership with Gamban is a significant step in providing practical help to those who need it.”

Melissa Etherington, Partnerships Executive at Gamban, said:

“Gambling addiction is a growing issue in football, which impacts mental health, finances and a player’s performance on the pitch. It also has the potential to impact sports integrity. We are delighted to partner with PFA NI to raise awareness of Gamban among those most at risk from harms related to online gambling.” 

This initiative forms part of PFA NI’s broader commitment to player welfare, offering educational resources, confidential support, and mental health assistance to members who may be struggling with gambling issues.

For more information about this partnership or to access support please click this link 

Or contact Michael Carvill at Michael.carvill@pfani.com

Gambling Rules

There are a number of rules relating to professional football and betting which affect all players, managers, coaches, club staff, directors and licensed agents. 

These rules protect the integrity and reputation of the game, and provide clarity that decision-making in football is based entirely on merit and not for personal financial gain. 

Your position as a professional footballer means you are sometimes privy to information that could give you, or those you share it with, a betting advantage.

Any football-related gambling activity is strictly prohibited. If you are found to have breached any of the rules below, you could lose your career and face possible criminal charges.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Don’t Bet On It

The main message for players is: ‘You are not allowed to place ANY bet on ANY football, ANYWHERE’.

This covers any football match or competition, wherever it is played in the world. You cannot bet on any global football market at any level, even on aspects that aren’t related to gameplay, for example the next manager of a club.

Don’t Pass It On

You are not allowed to pass on information that gives somebody else a betting advantage, and they cannot place bets on your behalf.

Any knowledge you have which is not publicly available, such as information about an injury, team selection or transfer news, is considered inside information. The rules are clear ­- you cannot share this information with anyone verbally, on social media or in any other way.

If someone asks you to provide inside information, you must notify The IFA’s Integrity Team immediately.

Protect The Game

Offering or accepting bribes or gifts in exchange for influencing the result of a match is extremely serious. It is against IFA rules and may be a criminal offence.

If you are approached about match fixing, or suspect that someone you know has been approached about or is involved in match fixing, you must report it to The IFA immediately. Failure to report these incidents could result in an IFA charge against you. If you are not sure what to do, you can speak to the PFANI in confidence.

It Won’t Stay Secret

Betting markets are closely monitored by specialist companies who are constantly reviewing data and betting patterns. If you’re betting on football, they will find out.

The IFA have direct links with betting operators and the Gambling Commission, the regulatory body for betting operators in this country. These organisations are aware of professional-football betting rules and notify The IFA of suspicious activity in the cash, telephone and online betting markets. The IFA has the power to interview you and review your private records such as itemised phone bills, betting account statements and bank statements.

If you breach the betting rules, you are likely to get caught. You will then face The IFA’s disciplinary procedures and, if found guilty, you will be subject to a range of sanctions including a warning, a fine, a significant period of suspension and a possible criminal record.

PFA NI Player Support Group

The PFA, NIFL & The Irish Football Association have come together to launch a Player Support Group aimed at supporting other players suffering from addiction throughout the Northern Ireland Football League.
Together, Aaron Traynor, Aaron Hogg, Matthew Snoddy and Michael Ruddy have came forward with their stories about gambling in the hope it will help other players also come forward to receive support.
We recently worked with Ulster University to produce a survey that delves deeper into the behaviours of players throughout the leagues. The report found that 13% of players are in a serious risk zone with their gambling, compare this to 3% of the general population and it makes for quite worrying thought.
The PFA hope more players will come forward and the long term plan is to bring players to schools and academies to speak about their lived experience to act as a preventative mentorship.

More info can be found on our Player Support Group page.