Irish Footballer Opens Up About Gambling Addiction

Irish League footballer Aaron Hogg has shared his struggle with gambling addiction, which led to the loss of his house, car, and the breakdown of his marriage. The 37-year-old, who currently plays for Dundela, hopes his story will encourage others in football to seek help.

Speaking on The Nolan Show, Hogg revealed that his gambling started with horse racing and sports betting but escalated when he won over £10,000 through an online casino promotion. “I had never played roulette or blackjack before, but within 20 minutes, I had won a five-figure sum,” he said.

This big win changed his mindset, making him prioritise quick gambling wins over watching or analysing sports. “That’s when my life absolutely revolved around roulette,” he admitted.

His addiction deepened, resulting in serious financial and personal consequences. However, Hogg has now been free from gambling for over six years. Reflecting on his struggles, he acknowledged that in the early part of his career, he lacked a solid support network when things spiralled out of control.

Michael Carvill, founder of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Northern Ireland (PFA NI), warned that gambling addiction is a growing crisis in Northern Irish football:

“The number of players who have come to us for help really took me by surprise,” he said, calling it an “epidemic”. He believes the problem is worsening due to the rise of online gambling, concluding, “It’s destroying people".

If you are struggling with gambling, why not contact the National Gambling Helpline, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at: 0808 80 20 133