SBC Summit 2025: Safer gambling advocate Martin Lycka is set to welcome former Liverpool and Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo to the SBC Summit 2025 stage for a special live edition of The Safe Bet Show, held in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions.
Dominic Matteo Joins The Safe Bet Show at SBC Summit 2025
Dominic Matteo’s career on the pitch spanned some of football’s biggest stages. He made 155 appearances for Liverpool between 1992 and 2000 before moving to Leeds United, where he played a key role in their memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals. He would later captain the side and go on to feature for Sunderland, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers, while also representing Scotland at international level.
Since hanging up his boots in 2009, Matteo has become an important voice in the safer gambling movement. Drawing on his own personal struggles with addiction, he now works with EPIC alongside his wife, Jess, as a Lived Experience Facilitator. Together, they share their story with professional athletes to raise awareness of gambling-related harm.
Matteo’s struggles began late in his playing career at Blackburn, where his gambling spiraled out of control. At one point, he staked half a million pounds on a single horse race and ended up with debts of more than £1 million. His path to recovery started with the unwavering support of his wife Jess, who he credits with helping him rebuild his life.
That support was just as crucial years later in 2019, when Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He underwent life-saving surgery and radiotherapy, later discovering the tumour had been present since childhood. This meant he had unknowingly played his entire professional career with it.
Today, Dominic and Jess dedicate themselves to educating players across the EFL, Scottish Premiership, and PREM Rugby about the risks of gambling. Their sessions help athletes spot warning signs, build awareness, and get the right support when needed.
Live Session at the Player Protection Stage
At SBC Summit 2025, Dominic will bring his story to the Player Protection Stage on Tuesday, 16 September, from 16:30 to 17:00. He and Jess will join Lycka live on stage, with Jess sharing her own perspective on supporting a loved one through gambling addiction and how families can find meaningful advice and guidance.
The appearance comes at a fitting moment, as this year’s Summit also introduces the first-ever Legends Charity Game, featuring football greats like Kaka, Luís Figo, Cafu, Alessandro Del Piero, and Patrice Evra. Against that backdrop, Matteo’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting both current and former players from gambling harm.
Martin Lycka on Matteo’s Remarkable Journey
Ahead of the session, Lycka said: “Dominic’s journey is one of incredible resilience. His willingness to speak openly about his struggles and his fantastic educational work with athletes is deeply impactful.
“Having him and Jess join me for this live edition of The Safe Bet Show brings an essential human perspective to the wider conversation on player protection. I’m honoured that I’ll be able to share the stage with them both in Lisbon.”
The Player Protection Stage will run throughout the three-day Summit, from 16–18 September. Day one will spotlight regulation, day two will focus on technology’s role in player protection, and day three will highlight research.
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