Peter Shilton awarded CBE for work tackling gambling harm

Shilton, who lives on Mersea Island and has already been given both an MBE and an OBE, was named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

The former goalkeeper has received the latest award for services to Association Football and to the Prevention of Gambling Harm.

Shilton, who remains England’s most capped player, beat his gambling addiction in 2015 and has spent the years since campaigning.

Peter Shilton pictured in action in 1973 during the Home International Championship match against Northern Ireland at Goodison Park (Image: Croft/PA Wire)

On being awarded a CBE, he said: “I was unbelievably surprised, the award was so unexpected. I really didn’t see it coming. 

“My sole reason for telling my story was to help others struggling with gambling addiction, but I have to owe this part of the award to [my wife] Steph without her I would not have done any of it.

“I received a letter from the government a few weeks ago and she cried.

“My stepdaughter Missy was also there with us when I opened the letter, so it was a special moment and has been a close secret.

“I was shocked but felt truly honoured.”

Peter Shilton alongside wife Steph and campaigners hand in a petition to 10 Downing Street in 2021 demanding restrictions on gambling advertising (Image: PA)

Shilton opened up on his severe gambling addiction following 45 years of struggle.

He said it took losing tens of thousands of pounds before he was able to stop, and explained how online gambling caused his gambling addiction to worsen.

The 74-year-old has since worked with the Government to raise awareness of associated issues including mental health problems.

He, alongside loving wife Steph, whose role has been hailed by Shilton, later released the book ‘Saved: Overcoming a 45-year Gambling Addiction’, vowing to shine a light on “football’s obsession with gambling”.

Peter and Steph Shilton pictured at the 2023 PFA Awards in August (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Shilton has said the latest honour “feels different” to his previous two and vowed to continue his work to raise awareness on the serious issue.

He said: “It feels totally different as the other two were for my football achievements.

“This is for my continued support for football, but for the work I have undertaken to raise gambling harm awareness.

"My work in the gambling harm industry will continue as there is still a lot to do in raising awareness and understanding gambling addiction.

“I’ll continue with patronage work and of course supporting England.”