The Football Fans and Betting Project – Findings from an early intervention for male sports bettors

Background

The gambling industry has witnessed a significant rise in sports betting, particularly targeting football fans through advertising. This demographic is at an increased risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. This paper explores the Football Fans and Betting project (FFAB), a novel early health intervention funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Specifically designed for football fans aged 18-55 who engage in regular gambling, the project aims to reduce their betting behaviours. 

Methods

A feasibility study of the 9-week FFAB Programme was conducted by Community Trust Coaches from six professional football clubs in the UK. Observations of each session delivery were undertaken to assess recruitment retention, programme acceptability, and fidelity to the FFAB delivery manual. Post-programme in-depth interviews and focus groups were held with participants and Coaches to assess acceptability. Insights presented in this paper are derived from this mixed-method approach.

Results

Originally conceptualized as a feasibility study and pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), FFAB's feasibility outcomes led to the development of an unexpected intervention model. Preliminary findings reveal several key aspects, including (1) a demand for early health interventions among men seeking to curtail their betting habits, (2) significant recruitment challenges due to the need to overcome shame and stigma, (3) complexities in conducting independent research with football clubs attributed to intricate sponsorship arrangements, and (4) easier recruitment in smaller, locally rooted clubs but difficulties in participant retention due to resource challenges.

Conclusions

FFAB, being the inaugural intervention of its kind in the realm of gambling, imparts valuable lessons for early interventions, particularly within football clubs and underserved groups. Engagement with football fans underscores the need for targeted pre-recruitment efforts to enhance the recognition and visibility of a public health approach to gambling on a broader scale, aiming to destigmatize discussions and language surrounding gambling. The paper advocates for a grassroots, localized approach through community clubs for future early health interventions of this nature, with the aim of mitigating challenges encountered during delivery.