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Gambling Abuse Surge Prompts New Birkdale Open Ejection Code

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Matt Fitzpatrick warned that gambling-related abuse is rising ahead of the Open at Birkdale.
He said every golfer receives betting-loss abuse, similar to messages sent to football and tennis players.
He noted shouting at a backswing or putt can sway a bet, though policing is hard.
The R&A’s new code allows officials to eject repeat offenders without refund.
Tommy Fleetwood said crowds are vital but must be balanced with respect.

History

Historical Context

Gambling oversight has long been split between national and sub-national bodies, as Canada’s provinces run their own gaming boards and Australia legalised poker machines in New South Wales in 1956. By 1999 Australia held 21 % of the world’s gaming machines, fueling debates that echo the UK’s new R&A spectator code aimed at curbing betting-related abuse.

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Story summary

Matt Fitzpatrick warned that gambling-related abuse is rising ahead of the Open at Birkdale.
He said every golfer receives betting-loss abuse, similar to messages sent to football and tennis players.
He noted shouting at a backswing or putt can sway a bet, though policing is hard.
The R&A’s new code allows officials to eject repeat offenders without refund.
Tommy Fleetwood said crowds are vital but must be balanced with respect.

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