'I was totally out of control'- Former England striker Dean Sturridge opens up about gambling hell

Former footballer Dean Sturridge opens up about his gambling addiction and recovery, aiming to inspire and support others struggling.

Former England footballer Dean Sturridge has bravely shared the story of his long struggle with gambling addiction, revealing how injury, isolation and sudden wealth pushed him into a destructive spiral during his playing career.

The Birmingham-born striker, known for his time at Derby County, Leicester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, is now over five years into recovery and working to support others facing similar battles.

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Today, Sturridge is an ambassador for Gordon Moody, a UK-based charity that helps people suffering from gambling problems.

“When I couldn’t play football because of injury, I’d be sat on my settee. I’d have boredom, I’d have time – and I’d have the money. That’s when the bets escalated and I was totally out of control,” he said in an inteview with BBC.

Sturridge explained that his gambling habit started young, but spiraled once he entered the professional football world and had access to large sums of money.

“My first signing-on fee was a big figure,” he shared. “It was supposed to be going down to buy my first car, a Ford Fiesta Firefly. I couldn’t pay for it because I’d lost my signing-on fee within hours of it going into my account.”

The addiction quickly took hold. Sturridge found himself caught in a routine of chasing losses and emptying his bank account in a single day.

“I’d be going from the bookie to the bank... writing cheques out and going into the branch, then withdrawing money. By the end of the day you see nil in your account, when at the start of the day it had thousands in it.”

Although he earned a good salary as a Premier League player, Sturridge said the emotional and family toll of his addiction was far more damaging.

“When I’d be with my children [and my wife], some of the time I’d be on my phone putting a bet on,” he admitted.

“I wasn’t present in the conversations. And that’s the most disappointing thing for me that I have regrets about. But I’m glad now that I’m in recovery, I’m a better person.”

The breaking point came when his wife unexpectedly returned home and found him watching horse racing and betting. Within 24 hours, he attended his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

“Walking through those doors, it was the catalyst for me understanding myself,” Sturridge recalled.

“As a gambler, I think you shut off [your emotions]; you compartmentalise, and I did that as a sportsman as well. I was always pushing my emotions to the side and trying to mask them.”

Now working as a football agent, Sturridge is passionate about speaking to young athletes and students about addiction and the pressure that comes with fame.

“I know the feeling of being in addiction, being lonely, being isolated, feeling guilt, feeling shame, feeling embarrassment. Everybody’s story is unique, but I’m hoping I can inspire just one person.”

He regularly partners with Gordon Moody to raise awareness in schools and football clubs.

“It’s important... for people like myself, for people in organisations like Gordon Moody, to go into schools and into football clubs and just help them on their journey.”

Now a grandfather, Sturridge is focused on the future and making the most of his second chance.

“I have a great opportunity now with my grandson, who’s a year old, that I can show him the new improved Dean.”