A CARLISLE United fan has started a podcast that he hopes can break down the stigma surrounding gambling addiction.
Dan Bateman had been a follower of the Blues for decades and is also an avid Manchester United supporter since his first trip to Old Trafford in 1998 with his dad who introduced him to the sport.
Despite his love for the beautiful game, the 34-year-old explained how gambling has always played in his experience of football.
He said: "I have always loved football.
"As I got older and I was going to more games I was surrounded by the gambling culture.
"When I was old enough to gamble I was in the bookies every weekend. I totally stopped looking at the actual football and I was just looking at the prices and who I should back.
"I feel like it has made me lose my love for football. I can't look at it the same anymore."
Gambling in football is now more topical than ever, with England striker Ivan Toney given an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting regulations and gambling sponsorships to be withdrawn from Premier League clubs from 2026/27.
For Dan, the prevalence of gambling in the sport he once loved has stopped him from watching football on TV out of the fear of being bombarded by betting adverts, and it hindered his ability to enjoy Carlisle United's playoff success in May.
He said: "It is hard. Carlisle got promoted in May and you want to enjoy it but you see the players lifting the trophy with SkyBet League Two, SkyBet this, and SkyBet that, and everything was sponsored by something to do with gambling."
Dan attended Carlisle's League One opener against Fleetwood last week and this coincided with the launch of his podcast, 'Be the best version of yourself'.
The podcast, which also explored Dan's experience with epilepsy and his weight, seeks to educate listeners on the dangers of gambling and help them begin recovering from addiction.
He said: "I was at a point where I needed to make the change and I thought: how can I help people and share my story?
"If I maybe share my story and speak out maybe I can help other people to feel comfortable to share their story."
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