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More and more people are engaging in a gambling addiction that can have huge consequences for families, the economy, and relationships. Hockey is highly exposed, but despite this we continue to wait and watch, knowing that many players are at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction in ice hockey has been a problem for a long time, and as gambling companies have become stronger and stronger, the number of players is also increasing. Many athletes, I would say most, have difficulty managing one “Healthy game” Because betting triggers the drive to win something, a drive that has taken elite athletes to the absolute highest level in their respective sports.
The first time I came into contact with gambling was when I, when I was 19 years old, moved to the United States. During Colorado Avalanche training camp, we would move from Denver to Colorado Springs. On the two-hour bus ride, most of the established NHL stars played cards, and rumors quickly spread that one of Colorado’s star players had lost $ 20,000. I don’t know if that was true, but I still remember how cool I thought it was today. It could have strengthened my image of what one could do as a star in the NHL, and judging from the player’s reaction, nothing seemed to directly bother him.
During my active career, gambling on various gaming sites became increasingly common. I remember that it was often a topic of conversation in the locker room, although games in their own games never happened. Basically not in hockey either.
There was often talk of high stakes and big wins, but rarely of losses. I think it may have impressed and influenced many young players, just like the Colorado Stars impressed me a few years earlier.
I have had teammates that I understand have played a lot, sometimes with great effort. I have seen when teammates play games for grotesque sums and then see their despair in their eyes when the game is lost. Despite that, I’ve never said it, for the simple reason that I didn’t want to interfere with anyone’s privacy. I have also had contact with players whose gameplay increased after their careers, as they neglected parts of their saved money and loved ones. They have been triggered by excitement, nervousness and the feeling of winning (thereby replacing hockey). The step has not been particularly great since games have been standardized for a long time.
Sometimes I can feel that it was cowardly and unfortunate on my part, as a leading player, not to mention. At the same time, it is also a shame to be addicted to the game, as many have testified, and those who have not dared to speak openly about it.
In hindsight, I can feel that I’ve also been involved in and influenced by the shame surrounding gambling addiction.
As a player, you often knew which of the opposing teams were rumored to be playing a lot, resulting in faulty and direct taunts on the ice to throw them off balance. It is clear that later you are ashamed of such behavior. It is actually a disease that we are talking about that can have devastating consequences.
I think the image has to change and hockey seems addicted to the game in the same way that it is seen in alcohol abuse, for example. If, as a player or leader, you see the smallest signs of someone in your neighborhood, you should act immediately and try to help the person in question. However, my experience says that problems are first addressed when they go beyond actual performance on ice.
I think it is very brave that former SHL and Tre Kronor player Fredrik Svensson openly dares to tell what happened. But, above all, he travels through the associations and tells about his addiction to the previous game. I hope that in the long term it can also create understanding and that more people dare to open up. People who openly dare to talk about what happened and how it affected him in everyday life and in life will receive a lot of respect and understanding.
I hope someone else dares to step forward. We must dare to lift the lid and talk about these problems.
It will help many.
