Breaking News: Bet365 Drops Steven Caulker as Pundit Over Gambling Advocacy

Steven Caulker, a seasoned center-back known for his time with QPR and Tottenham, recently faced unemployment after leaving Wigan Athletic. The 31-year-old, who initially joined as a broadcaster, found himself dropped by Bet365 due to the company's reservations about his strong stance on gambling addiction.

The revelation surfaced through The Big Step, an organization pushing for the eradication of gambling sponsorships and advertising in football. Caulker had previously shared his personal battles with gambling, alcohol, and depression in a candid interview with The Guardian in 2017.

Anti-gambling campaigners, including The Big Step, criticized the Premier League's attempt to appease the government by voluntarily giving up front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships. They argue that the proposed move doesn't address more visible hoarding sponsorships, considered more problematic.

Bet365 responded to the situation in a statement, acknowledging Caulker's commendable efforts in raising awareness about problem gambling. However, as a betting company, they deemed it inappropriate for him to feature in a Bet365-sponsored video series. The company expressed regret over any miscommunication, clarifying that Caulker's exclusion was inaccurately conveyed to him by their media partner.

Despite scoring on his England debut in 2012, Caulker underwent a significant career shift in 2021 when he transferred to Sierra Leone, where he currently serves as the captain. His off-field challenges have sparked discussions about the struggles athletes face and the intricate relationship between sports and the gambling industry.