Safer gambling advocate Martin Lycka will be joined by former Liverpool and Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo for a live edition of The Safe Bet Show during SBC Summit 2025, in collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions.
Matteo made 155 appearances for Liverpool between 1992 and 2000 before joining Leeds United, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals and later captained the team. His career also included spells with Sunderland, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers, as well as representing Scotland at the international level.
Since retiring at the end of the 2008/09 season, Matteo has become a respected voice in the safer gambling space, drawing from his own personal battle with gambling addiction. Today, he works alongside his wife Jess Matteo as a Lived Experience Facilitator with EPIC, raising awareness of gambling-related harm among professional athletes.
Matteo’s struggles began towards the end of his career while playing for Blackburn. At its peak, he placed a £500,000 bet on a single horse race and accumulated debts exceeding £1 million. His recovery journey began with the unwavering support of his wife Jess, whom he credits as being instrumental in helping him rebuild his life.
That same support proved essential again in 2019, when Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumour that required life-saving surgery and radiotherapy. Remarkably, the tumour had been dormant since childhood, meaning Matteo had unknowingly played his entire professional career with it.
Since then, the couple has dedicated their time to educating players across the EFL, Scottish Premiership, and PREM Rugby on safer gambling practices. Their mission focuses on raising awareness, helping players identify early warning signs, and connecting them with the right support.
Matteo’s powerful personal story will take center stage on the SBC Summit’s Player Protection Stage, where he and Jess will join Lycka for a live conversation on Tuesday, 16 September, from 16:30 to 17:00. Jess will offer her perspective on supporting a loved one through gambling addiction, including guidance for families on finding the right advice and accessing meaningful help.
Their appearance coincides with the first-ever Legends Charity Game at SBC Summit 2025, featuring football icons such as Kaká, Luís Figo, Cafu, Alessandro Del Piero, Patrice Evra, and more. Against this backdrop, Matteo’s session will serve as a timely reminder of the importance of educating both current and former athletes about gambling-related risks.
Ahead of the live show, Lycka said:
“Dominic’s journey is one of incredible resilience. His openness about his struggles and the educational work he does with athletes is deeply impactful.
Having him and Jess join me for this live edition of The Safe Bet Show adds an essential human perspective to the wider conversation on player protection. I’m honoured to share the stage with them in Lisbon.”
The Player Protection Stage will run across all three days of SBC Summit, from 16 to 18 September. Day one will focus on regulation, day two will explore the role of technology in player protection, and day three will be dedicated to research.
SBC Summit 2025 Passes
Secure your pass today and join over 30,000 attendees.
- VIP Event Pass – Full access to the show floor, networking areas, and conference sessions, complimentary food and drink, plus exclusive evening networking and parties.
- Group VIP Event Pass – €400 per person when purchasing three or more tickets (saving €200 per ticket).
- Expo+ Pass – Access to the show floor, conference sessions, and daytime networking.
- Expo Only Pass – Free option providing access to the show floor only (excludes academies).
- Operator and Affiliate Passes – Eligible operators and affiliates receive a free VIP event pass.
