Beyond Today - How did gambling take over football?
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Last week Championship side Derby County announced Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, would be joining the team as a player-coach on a reported £100,000-a-week contract and will wear the number 32. Derby also secured a “record-breaking sponsorship” deal with the online casino 32Red. The news has raised questions about football’s links to gambling at a time when the industry is booming and smartphones have made it easier to place bets than ever before. So, is the transfer more than just a savvy football deal?
BBC 5Live reporter Katie Shanahan tells us about the two teams — Huddersfield and Derby — who collaborated with betting firms this summer. We also speak to sport finance expert Dr Dan Plumley about how much the gambling industry contributes, and comedian Lloyd Griffith about what a healthier relationship between football and the bookies could look like.
Producers: Alicia Burrell and Duncan Barber.
Mixed by Nicolas Raufast.
Editor: John Shields.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Published on Monday, 12th August 2019.
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