The Shocking Reality of Social Media Abuse in Tennis

When tennis player Katie Boulter revealed the extent of social media abuse she endures, she highlighted a disturbing trend: many of these abusive messages are linked to gambling. According to Signify, an AI-driven detection system called Threat Matrix, a significant portion of abuse directed at tennis players comes from gamblers who have lost bets. In fact, 'angry gamblers' account for 40% of all detected abuse, with messages often tied to betting activity.

The Role of Gambling in Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular sports for gambling, with tournaments held year-round across the globe. A source from a major gambling operator revealed that over £100 million is bet on tennis matches daily. While betting is roughly evenly split between men's and women's tennis, the men's game sees slightly more action due to the higher number of matches on the Challenger tour.

In the UK, 13% of sports bettors gambled on tennis in 2023, placing it fifth behind horse racing, football, golf, and boxing. However, 16% of tennis gamblers spend over £200 per month on bets, and 34% use loyalty schemes, indicating a high level of engagement and financial stakes.

The Controversy of Gambling Sponsorships

The relationship between tennis and gambling has long been contentious. Concerns over match-fixing and ethics have historically made tennis organizations wary of forming official partnerships with betting companies. However, as gambling has moved online, betting sponsorships have become increasingly lucrative.

In 2023, Novak Djokovic suggested that players should receive a larger share of the revenue generated from gambling sponsorships. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has also extended its deal with Stake, a Curacao-based gambling company, despite controversies surrounding its advertising practices.

Women and Gambling: A Growing Trend

While men have traditionally dominated the gambling scene, data shows that the proportion of women gamblers is increasing. In the UK, 42% of women reported gambling in the previous four weeks, with those aged 35 to 54 most likely to participate. Sports betting platforms are increasingly targeting women, with 44% of betting operators aiming to grow their female customer base.

The UK Gambling Industry: A Lucrative Market

The UK gambling industry is worth £15.6 billion, more than double the value of the UK music and video games industries combined. Gambling companies have spent over £1.5 billion on marketing in recent years, with a significant portion going to television advertisements. This figure rises to nearly £2 billion when sponsorships are included.

New Regulations and the Future of Gambling in Tennis

In response to growing concerns, the UK has implemented stricter regulations on gambling advertising and sponsorships. These include a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling advertisements during football matches and new rules aimed at reducing the appeal of gambling to children. The government has also announced plans for a levy to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.

As tennis continues to navigate its relationship with gambling, the sport must balance the financial benefits of betting sponsorships with the need to protect players and fans from the potential harms of gambling.

Conclusion

The intersection of gambling, social media abuse, and women in tennis is a complex and troubling issue. As the sport grapples with these challenges, it must find ways to protect its players while maintaining the integrity of the game.