‘Peter Shilton has revealed he spent 45 years as a gambling addict.
The former goalkeeper, and England’s most capped male player, said that it took losing tens of thousands of pounds before he was able to stop.
“I’ve won at most things in my life, in terms of my career, but I’ve never won at gambling,” the 70-year-old told the Daily Mail.
Shilton said online gambling caused his gambling addiction to worsen and that he has decided to speak out after revelations about football’s close ties to betting firms – 27 of England’s top 44 clubs now having a gambling company for their shirt sponsor.
He said his recovery started after his wife Steph confronted him with bank statements showing his losses. He told her: “I’m losing, and I’m worried I’m going to lose you.”
Shilton said online gambling is “frightening” and he is working with the Government to raise awareness of associated issues including mental health problems.
He revealed that he bet on horse racing during his football career, even acting as a bookie for his England teammates.’
Read more: Former England goalkeeper Shilton reveals decades of gambling addiction
