Tottenham players who were known for playing roulette

Whether it be a late night trip to a casino after a game or a first goalscorer bet, football has always had a special relationship with gambling and the players themselves are no different. The most famous case for Spurs was probably Ex England winger David Bentley who was at the club from 2008-2012. Fondly remembered at White Hart Lane for his mesmerising 43 yard effort against Arsenal and for his contribution for the Lilywhites reaching the league cup final during his tenure, Bentley had some personal issues. 

Distraction

The former Blackburn Rovers ace shared a passion for football with a love for gambling and although it beaked during his time at Ewood Park (Pre-Spurs) it no doubt damaged his footballing career and he would eventually fall out of love with the game after a series of unsuccessful loan spells whilst at Spurs did not materialise for the man from Peterborough. 

Without being able to concentrate on his day job, the distractions got the better of Bentley on a few occasions where his gambling would spiral out of control. The 7 times capped international would place over a hundred bets a day during his darkest period, losing tens of thousands of pounds over the years. His talent was never in question but Spurs fans unfortunately never really saw David reach his full potential at Tottenham and he retired in 2013 shortly after leaving the club and making just 5 appearances back at Blackburn where he made his name. 

Too Much Too Young?

Academy footballers have a lot of money, not enough to do and too much time on their hands. This is why the great Sir Alex Ferguson famously liked his players to settle down and marry at a young age as it brought stability and focus in their careers. Many who do not have this base fall into addiction. The days of drinking cultures have been weeded out due to the professional game and its modern day demands so young men, some of whom are still teenagers when thrust into the spotlight, get into gambling. 

Being recognised, pampered and adored whilst earning substantial amounts of money for what for most is a hobby and they would do it anyway in the Sunday Leagues for free is many young boys dream. However, it is not all about flash cars and designer clothes. It can all come with a price. Fame can weigh down on you, as can the expectation of being in the public eye. Young footballers seek a release away from football and in the age of smart-phones, stumbling out of a pub or club at 3am totally intoxicated is never going to be able to be covered up. 

Private Release Mechanism

Nowadays you do not have to get up, go out and splash the cash at the bookies or go wild in a casino. This of course helps the young stars of the round ball and many other sports take part in private without prying eyes watching their every move. They can gamble from home in peace without disturbance and do it all from their tablet, laptop or smart-phone with effortless precision any time they desire. 

This is both a pleasure and hindrance because whilst it keeps them hidden, it also encourages the speed and mount you gamble and the amount of time spent doing it because there is no need to look at your watch to think ‘oh I had better get home now’. Another 10-15minutes gambling on the sofa, in the bath, even in bed won’t hurt anyone will it? 

Control and Limitations

The PFA have links with many support groups for players of all ages that go off the rails or fall victim to addiction at any point in their careers. Spurs favourite Paul Gascoigne has had well documented issues with alcohol over the years and our neighbours from across North London have famous figures in Tony Adams and Paul Merson who have succumbed to the temptation of gambling, booze and drugs. It is a lot more common than you think. 

The amount of help on hand these days is perhaps a significant contributor to the world of the young footballer and hard to compare with the footballing figures mentioned above for whom drink was as much a part of their lives as football was at the height of their careers. Striking the balance between something you love, a hobby, a passtime and it taking over your life is a fine line. Your passion can quickly become an obsession and before you know it you are out of control. Set limits, be strict and know your own mind in order to control things when playing for fun and especially when the fun stops.