The vicious cycle of compulsive gambling
As a professional sportsperson, you belong to a risk group for all kinds of dependencies. These dependencies can expose you to various forms of exploitation. A gambling addiction can quickly take hold, which can lead to corruption and destroy your life. The following quote comes from a well-known former professional who got mixed up in the vicious cycle of compulsive gambling.
"I hit my absolute rock bottom as a player the night before the away game. I sat on the edge of the bed in a hotel in Bolton and thought about breaking my fingers (Note: to no longer be able to take part in telephone betting). I tried desperately not to pick up the handset and place another bet by phone. At the time I had already squandered £7 million with bookmakers and really wanted to stop, but I couldn't do it. The next bet was always so tempting. The only way out of this vicious cycle that I could see was to slam my fingers in a door or to break one after the other with a hammer. This was pure madness."