Letters | Getting hooked on illegal football betting can be a costly own goal

Gambling risks encouraging a sense of greed, and gamblers are at a disadvantage against bookies who have more time to conduct research and analysis

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A fan cheers for his favourite team as he watches a game on his laptop, while making bets at bookmaker’s website. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00am, 11 Jul 2021Updated: 7:00am, 11 Jul 2021

After a year’s delay, the Euro 2020 tournament has become a showcase for the best footballers and a festival for fans to cheer on their favourite teams. However, the tournament is also becoming a carnival for gamblers and bookies. Fans, especially young people, should say no to illegal football gambling.

It was good to see the authorities take steps to deal with an illegal gambling surge ahead of Euro 2020 all across Asia. Hong Kong police launched raids to stop illegal gambling operators who might have ramped up activities during the tournament. In Malaysia, 152 people were detained in a 10-day operation last month on suspicion of taking part in illegal gambling.

Many gamblers start out with the “just for fun” attitude, especially when smartphone and online platforms make it easier to bet. However, that could be their first step to becoming a gambling addict.

Once gamblers enter the field of illegal gambling, it can be difficult for them to get kick the habit. “I need to win back what I lost” is the general mindset for many gamblers, and football fans are no different. This mindset risks pushing them into a bottomless chasm.

Gambling is a bad idea. First, it breeds greed. The more you bet, the more you want to win. Greed is why gamblers keep going back to bet no matter how many times they say “this is the last time”.

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A winning streak sparks wishes for more, whereas losses inspire the desire to try and recoup what was lost. It is a vicious cycle for an addict, with a confluence of factors ruining one’s ability to think or act wisely.

Second, football gambling is a time-consuming activity. The bookie spends a huge amount of time doing research and checking out player profiles to achieve ultimate success. It is difficult for football gamblers to beat them. Under those circumstances, gambling can tear one’s life apart and drive the gambler and their loved ones to desperation.