PFA NI Partners with Gamban to Tackle Gambling Harm

Gambling-related harm continues to plague the sporting world, with professional footballers increasingly at risk. In response, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Northern Ireland (PFA NI) has joined forces with Gamban. Their partnership brings forward cutting-edge blocking software designed to shield players from gambling exposure. Explore how this initiative marks a turning point in Northern Ireland’s push for stronger responsible gambling practices.

PFA Northern Ireland Teams Up with Gamban to Tackle Gambling Harm Among Footballers

3 Key Points

• PFA NI has partnered with Gamban to protect footballers from gambling-related harm.
• Gamban’s software blocks access to gambling sites and apps across all digital platforms.
• The initiative follows rising political pressure to enhance gambling safeguards in Northern Ireland.

The Professional Footballers’ Association of Northern Ireland (PFA NI) has announced a crucial new partnership with responsible gambling technology provider Gamban, in a bid to better protect its members from the escalating risks of gambling-related harm.

This collaboration enables professional footballers in Northern Ireland to access Gamban’s self-exclusion software, which blocks all forms of online gambling—websites, apps, and betting platforms—across multiple devices. The move aligns with a broader commitment by the PFA to support player welfare off the pitch.

A Growing Problem in Professional Sport

Gambling addiction has become an increasingly serious concern in global football. In Northern Ireland, where betting culture is deeply entrenched, professional players are often exposed to gambling-related pressures from a young age. Whether through sponsorships, locker room conversations, or personal use, betting can easily cross the line into problematic behaviour.

PFA NI CEO Michael Carvill acknowledged this challenge, saying:

“As the representative body for professional footballers in Northern Ireland, we are committed to supporting our members both on and off the pitch. Gambling addiction is a growing concern within football, and this partnership with Gamban is a significant step in providing practical help to those who need it.”

Gamban: Digital Shield Against Gambling Exposure

Gamban’s software, already adopted by global stakeholders in gambling harm reduction, acts as a barrier between users and gambling content. Once installed, the tool restricts access to a comprehensive list of online gambling services—legal or illegal.

Melissa Etherington, Partnerships Executive at Gamban, welcomed the collaboration:

“Gambling addiction is a growing issue in football, which impacts mental health, finances and a player’s performance on the pitch. It also has the potential to impact sports integrity. We are delighted to partner with PFA NI to raise awareness of Gamban among those most at risk.”

This is not Gamban’s first high-profile partnership. Recently, the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) funded a year-long pilot programme for Gamban in the Netherlands. Additionally, the provider rolled out services in Ohio last year and achieved platinum accreditation from Investors in People in early 2024.

Political and Legal Context in Northern Ireland

The PFA NI–Gamban partnership also reflects changing political attitudes in Northern Ireland. In late 2024, multiple political figures and advocacy groups called for tighter restrictions on gambling advertising and more robust harm reduction strategies.

In response, Northern Ireland updated its outdated gambling laws, aligning them more closely with Great Britain’s regulatory framework, which includes stronger consumer protections, advertising limitations, and requirements for responsible gambling tools like Gamban.

With rising concern about match-fixing, financial instability, and mental health challenges, such initiatives are vital for maintaining the integrity of football and protecting the players who make the sport thrive.

The partnership between PFA Northern Ireland and Gamban is a timely and progressive move to shield professional footballers from the dangers of gambling addiction. As political leaders, player associations, and gambling harm advocates push for greater protections, this collaboration sets a new standard in athlete welfare. By making Gamban’s tools widely available, PFA NI is not just reacting to a growing crisis—it is taking proactive, preventive action to ensure the future of its members remains secure, both on and off the pitch.