Is Paul Merson Right?

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Or was it 888? The Chinese are generally octophiles.

It's been more like 666 since then.

[jon1959]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

It's been more like 666 since then.

Welcome back.

(PS The Gunman might need some stats support!)

[splott parker]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Wealthy actors, sportsmen etc promoting gambling every ad break, everyone’s a winner. They never show a desperate soul alone in their bedroom clutching pills or a rope because everyone isn’t a winner. It’s a scourge on society.

[JamesWales]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

No, he's wrong. Addiction or not, the rules state that players cannot bet on football outcomes. Don't make excuses for them - if these players want to gamble, there are plenty of other things to bet on.

I think that's the key point.

I am anti gambling, particularly online gambling and I think it's reprehensible that football is so indebted to those companies. I also respect that some are addicted to gambling and need help.

But the issue I think is that they are involved in the sport and when gambling on that sport enters the arena it could lead to damage to sporting integrity.

[life on mars]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

He has a point , but isn't there enough pull on the NHS and the public purse .

[Divine Wright]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Was it 777 that we had on our shirts for one game, until it was belatedly realised that they didn't have a licence to operate in the EU. That was before we changed to red, so well over a decade ago.

But I'm sure the FA are working hard on the problem...

Spobet too.

At least it's not "Wales Online". Now that would be a fckin disgrace.

[2b2bdoo]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Did they ever sell any of those 777 shirts, I remember they sold sponsor less shirts that year.

[bobh]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

I jumped in quick and got one between "777" and "Sbobet" - so no logo at all, and it's much better (no pun intended) for it.

[2b2bdoo]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

I jumped in quick and got one between "777" and "Sbobet" - so no logo at all, and it's much better (no pun intended) for it.

Yeah I bought a blank one.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

I think that's the key point.

I am anti gambling, particularly online gambling and I think it's reprehensible that football is so indebted to those companies. I also respect that some are addicted to gambling and need help.

But the issue I think is that they are involved in the sport and when gambling on that sport enters the arena it could lead to damage to sporting integrity.

Football probably shouldn’t have got so involved with gambling in the first place, then.

Also, if they’re placing thousands of bets, they’re addicts. It isn’t their fault. Thirdly, who gives a **** about the bookies, cos they certainly couldn’t care less about Tonali and Toney. Vile, vile businesses.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

It's probably best to leave the deterrent there if it helps one player stop gambling then that's a good thing.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Wealthy actors, sportsmen etc promoting gambling every ad break, everyone’s a winner. They never show a desperate soul alone in their bedroom clutching pills or a rope because everyone isn’t a winner. It’s a scourge on society.

It is really bad and the adverts make it look very attractive and fun for teenagers and young adults, I'm all for advertising bans and much more restrictions.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Paul Merson is spot on.

Something that might interest people. When Saturday Comes has stuck to its guns by not accepting betting adverts btw.

[AfricanBluebird]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Gambling can certainly be addictive and any addiction is a condition, not a choice. Merson is 100% correct and has the lived experience to prove it.

Football demonising and banning players for gambling and then taking the money from gambling companies and shoving it down ours, and the players, throats, is ridiculously cynical and hypocritical.

Imagine a young player with a gambling addiction who has the ability to impact of a game he's betting on.. It's like playing the lottery but being able to influence what numbers come out of Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, Vyvyan and Galahad.

With an addiction, that your own profession rams down everyones throat and makes you wear their advertisements, i think the temptation is just too much.

The relationship between gambling and football needs to be looked at.

Also, is anyone else sick of mega rich film stars on tv telling us to gamble on almost everything. Its wrong.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: Is Paul Merson Right?

Gambling can certainly be addictive and any addiction is a condition, not a choice. Merson is 100% correct and has the lived experience to prove it.

Football demonising and banning players for gambling and then taking the money from gambling companies and shoving ut down ours, and the players, throats, is ridiculously cynical and hypocritical.

Imagine a young player with a gambling addiction who has the ability to impact of a game he's betting on.. It's like playing the lottery but being able to influence what numbers come out of Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, Vyvyan and Galahad.

With an addiction, that your own profession rams down everyones throat and makes you wear their advertisements, i think the temptation isnjust too much.

Good post. Don't the FA/Clubs etc. actually have a duty of care? Banning seems very draconian.