Responsible gambling campaign
Wayne Rooney has collaborated with 32Red to promote the online gambling operator’s ‘Stay in Control’ series.
This video series is part of a new responsible gambling campaign launched by 32Red, which is owned by the Kindred Group. The first episode was filmed at the training facility of Championship soccer team Derby County, where Rooney is currently playing.
part of a new responsible gambling campaign launched by 32Red
The former England captain meets Scott Davies, a former professional soccer player who is now working with Epic Risk Management to promote safer and more responsible gambling.
Rooney discusses his responsibilities as one of Derby County’s senior players. He then delves into his experience with gambling throughout his career, particularly when he was just starting out.
Rooney’s gambling habit
Rooney has talked about these experiences in the past, most notably in his autobiography. One of the passages from the book reads, “I had an idea I was doing badly and did what most gamblers do, I chased my bets and tried to recoup my losses by putting on bigger sums.”
One of the big issues was being a young player who had just come into a lot of money. He also cited the boredom that came with being away from home and staying in hotels as being one of the main reasons why he gambled.
Rooney placed all of his bets over the phone. He said he didn’t feel like the money he was gambling was real money. It was just numbers on a screen.
He spoke about how it was a slippery slope after he initially won when he began betting, stating:
I won at the start actually, a couple of bets and thought this is easy, it’s easy money.”
Reaction to new campaign
Paul Buck, CEO of Epic Risk Management, spoke about how this type of video series can impact and educate people about the pitfalls of gambling.
He then emphasized how the five-year education program that Epic Risk Management operates with Sky Betting & Gaming is vital for spreading this message.
32Red UK General Manager Neil Banbury was delighted to have such a high-profile player speak so openly about his issues with gambling. He believes that sponsorships are a great way to spread the responsible gambling message in an interesting and powerful manner.
32Red sponsorship
There was some controversy when Rooney signed with Derby County. 32Red is the kit sponsor for the club and Rooney was given the number 32 after signing on the dotted line.
32Red, Derby County, and Rooney were all criticized when the deal was announced, with the The Telegraph labeling the publicity stunt “embarrassing.”