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Read Full BioA German man, who goes by the name “Sports Betting Sheriff,” is trying to educate fans about sports betting in an unconventional way.
Thomas Melchior attends soccer matches and socializes with supporters wearing a rival team’s shirt, while holding a sign that reads, “I lost a bet.”
Many fans react angrily to seeing their rival’s colors. Fans in Germany are strictly separated to avoid confrontation at matches. Melchior’s Instagram account is full of abuse, with many fans throwing glass bottles and beer at him.
However, some fans stop to speak, and this gives Melchior a chance to tell his story as a cautionary message about the risks of gambling.
Gambling Losses Led Melchior to Prison
Melchior admits to losing more than €800,000 (around $937,000) on gambling. To fund his gambling addiction, he turned to crime. In 2019, he was sentenced to 5½ years in prison for fraud and theft, stealing from friends and family as well as strangers.
Melchior says his arrest marked a turning point in his life. “When the handcuffs clicked, it was the first moment I felt free again since my first bet,” he said. “That’s when I felt I had survived gambling addiction.”
He added that it inspired him to educate others about the risks, saying, “In that moment, I decided I would try to repair all the damage. And I wanted to get out of prison with the best possible conditions so I could inform and warn people about gambling addiction. That’s why I’m here today.”
Melchior Plans to Take Campaign Across Borders
Gambling reforms in Germany have led to a reduction in the amount lost by bettors. The country’s gambling regulator began publishing results this year and showed a drop from Q1 to Q2.
Melchior recognizes that problem gambling is not unique to Germany and wants to take his campaign to other countries, in particular, England.
“Gambling addiction isn’t (just) a national, purely German problem. Gambling addiction is a global problem. That’s why we’re planning to go to other countries,” Melchior said. “Because of my criminal record, I can’t get a visa just like that. I have to apply for one at the embassy. It takes a bit longer. But I’m sure if that works out, we’ll see each other in England very soon.”
Melchior is sure to encounter similar abuse if turning up at matches wearing rival team shirts in the Premier League. He says he does not recommend his method of attracting attention, but feels putting himself in danger is worth it.
“Yes, it’s dangerous, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone,” Melchior told the Associated Press on Sunday, before he unveiled his hidden Hertha Berlin jersey at a home game of local rival Union Berlin.
