Katie Boulter Exposes Growing Threat of Abuse from Irate Sports Bettors

Death Threats and Pressure: The Dark Side of Modern Sports Betting

British tennis player Katie Boulter has added her voice to a growing list of professional athletes who are speaking out about the disturbing rise in online abuse from angry sports bettors. In a candid statement following the French Open, Boulter revealed that she and her family had received death threats—explicitly linked to gambling-related frustrations over her matches.

Some of the messages went far beyond criticism, veering into outright threats and obscenities. Boulter shared examples including calls for her to “get cancer” and for her family to “arrange candles and a coffin.” She tied the abuse directly to bettors who lost money on her matches and lashed out with violent language in response.

Boulter emphasized that the threats are a persistent issue, regardless of whether she wins or loses: “There’s always someone betting on me who’s upset—and who’s sending threats.” While many such messages may not represent real danger, their psychological impact on athletes is undeniable.

Threats Undermine Mental Health and Performance

As an experienced player on the professional circuit, Boulter is more resilient than most—but she expressed concern for less-established athletes who may lack the support systems to handle such abuse. The mental toll of these threats can erode a player’s confidence and, in extreme cases, even affect performance on the court.

The consequences, Boulter warned, extend beyond individual well-being. The fear of targeted threats may influence how players behave during competition—possibly leading to underperformance or a reluctance to take risks under pressure.

While most threats come from frustrated gamblers acting alone, Boulter also highlighted a more sinister dimension. In some cases, criminal organizations have attempted to manipulate players, using threats or financial incentives to influence outcomes or specific match events.

This crossover between gambling pressure and potential match-fixing attempts is not new—but the ease with which fans can now reach athletes directly through social media has made it easier for bad actors to make contact.

Calls for Action as Sports Bodies Confront Online Harassment

The issue of online abuse linked to betting is gaining attention from sports authorities. The NCAA in the United States has already begun collaborating with law enforcement and external monitoring agencies to identify and penalize individuals who target student-athletes with threats.

Despite the legal grey areas, especially when dealing with cross-border or anonymous online threats, pressure is mounting for more robust intervention. Many within the sporting community now argue that holding abusive punters accountable is not just about protecting athletes—it’s about preserving the integrity of sport itself.