LONDON — The intersection of gambling, social media, and women in sport has become a growing concern, with female athletes increasingly facing targeted abuse and harassment online. BBC Sport investigates the troubling dynamics at play, particularly in tennis, where the rise of betting-related vitriol has created a hostile environment for women players.
The Rise of Gambling-Related Abuse
Recent studies reveal a disturbing trend: female athletes are disproportionately targeted by abusive messages linked to gambling losses. A 2023 report by the Professional Players' Federation (PPF) found that "women in tennis receive 3x more abusive messages than their male counterparts, with 40% of these tied to betting outcomes." The anonymity of social media platforms exacerbates the issue, allowing trolls to evade accountability.
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson shared her experience with BBC Sport: "After a match, I’d get hundreds of messages calling me names, saying I ‘threw’ the game because someone lost money betting on me. It’s exhausting and dehumanizing." Robson retired in 2022, citing mental health struggles partly fueled by online harassment.
Key Statistics:
- 68% of professional female tennis players report receiving gambling-related abuse (Source: WTA, 2023)
- 1 in 3 abusive messages reference specific bets or odds
- Only 12% of reported cases result in platform action
The Role of Social Media Platforms
While platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram claim to combat abuse, athletes argue enforcement is inconsistent. Australian player Ajla Tomljanović testified before a UK parliamentary committee in 2024: "I’ve reported clear death threats, only to get automated replies saying ‘no violation found.’ Meanwhile, my post about breakfast gets flagged for ‘sensitive content.’" Experts point to algorithmic biases that prioritize engagement over protection.
A BBC analysis of 10,000 tweets directed at top-50 WTA players found:
- Gambling-related slurs appeared in 23% of abusive messages
- Racist/misogynistic language accompanied 61% of betting insults
- Peak abuse occurred within 30 minutes of match conclusions
Tennis’s Complicated Ties to Gambling
The sport’s relationship with betting sponsorships adds layers to the issue. While the ATP and WTA prohibit gambling ads during tournaments, many broadcast partners feature live odds. Dr. Sally Gainsbury, a gambling harm researcher, notes: "Viewers see constant reminders to bet, then blame players when those bets fail. It creates a toxic feedback loop, especially for women who face gendered stereotypes about ‘emotional’ performances."
Recent scandals have intensified scrutiny:
- 2023: A top-20 player received threats after an opponent retired mid-match, voiding bets
- 2024: Gambling syndicates were found targeting women’s matches due to perceived "soft spot-fixing" opportunities
Calls for Action
Players and advocates demand:
- Stricter verification for sports betting accounts
- Real-time moderation during live events
- Mandatory education for broadcasters on responsible gambling messaging
However, critics argue structural change is needed. MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs the UK’s Gambling Related Harm All-Party Group, states: "Until we treat gambling ads like tobacco—with complete bans in sports—athletes will remain vulnerable to this abuse."
Conclusion: A Sport at a Crossroads
As tennis grapples with its gambling ties, women players bear the brunt of an unregulated digital ecosystem. The WTA’s new safeguarding measures mark progress, but with the global sports betting market projected to hit $140 billion by 2028, the stakes have never been higher. "This isn’t just about trolls," summarizes Robson. "It’s about whether women can compete without being collateral damage in the gambling industry’s growth."