Former Liverpool and Leeds star Dominic Matteo to join Safe Bet Show at SBC Summit 2025

Former Liverpool and Leeds defender Dominic Matteo will join safer gambling expert Martin Lycka for a live edition of The Safe Bet Show at SBC Summit 2025, in collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions.

Matteo, who made 155 appearances for Liverpool between 1992 and 2000 before moving to Leeds United, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League semi-finals and later captained the side. His career also included stints at Sunderland, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers, as well as representing Scotland at the international level.

Since retiring in 2009, Matteo has emerged as a leading advocate for safer gambling, drawing on his personal experience of gambling addiction. Matteo’s struggles with gambling began toward the end of his playing career at Blackburn Rovers.

At the height of his addiction, he placed a £500,000 (US$678,325) bet on a single horse race and accumulated debts exceeding £1 million (US$1.3 million). Recovery came with the steadfast support of his wife, Jess, whose guidance Matteo credits as crucial to rebuilding his life.

In 2019, Matteo underwent life-saving surgery for a brain tumour that had been dormant since childhood. Now, Dominic and Jess work as Lived Experience Facilitators with EPIC, educating professional athletes across football and rugby on gambling risks, early warning signs, and support resources.

Their live session with Lycka will take place on the Player Protection Stage on Tuesday, 16 September, from 16:30 to 17:00. Jess Matteo will discuss supporting loved ones through gambling addiction.

The session aligns with SBC Summit 2025’s first Legends Charity Game, featuring stars including Kaka, Luís Figo, Cafu, Alessandro Del Piero, and Patrice Evra, reinforcing the importance of gambling education for players.

"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,” said Lycka. "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.”

The Player Protection Stage will run across all three days of SBC Summit, covering regulation, technology, and research.