Daniel Ricciardo gets frosty reception to gambling post

The former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has faced backlash following a controversial gambling-related post he shared online.

The Australian athlete took to his X account on June 18 to share an advertisement with the sports betting company Dabble.

“I’ve given retirement a crack, but it’s not for me. So, I’ve teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business…”

I've given retirement a crack, but It's not for me. So, I've teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business… Check it out at https://t.co/S20xXM51oA

What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit… pic.twitter.com/kHfXpAqonL

— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) June 18, 2025

On the website listed, a competition called ‘Win the Ultimate Texas Tailgate with Daniel Ricciardo’ has been shared, with the prize offering return airfare to Austin, Texas, along with two VIP tickets to the ‘Dabble Dan’s Tailgate Party’, meet and greet, accommodation, and two exclusive merchandise packages.

While Ricciardo’s social media posts are usually met with praise and admiration, especially as he was a fan favorite in the sport for many years, this one hasn’t gone down so well.

Instead, an overwhelming number of negative comments can be found under the post. With one user saying: “Yikes! Considering Aussies gamblers have the highest losses per capita in the world and a high rate of teenagers on gambling sites, this isn’t it DR.”

Another questioned if it’s something the driver is happy putting his name to: “Come on mate, I’m a massive fan, but this isn’t at all something good to put your name to. Gambling destroys lives, surely there’s better things to work with.”

Although an Australian gambling helpline link was shared within the initial post, some people were still not convinced. “Danny mate, we love you, but there are so many better things you could be promoting.”

The post has since racked up over 2.1 million views, with the F1 star having fans based all around the world. It was in 2024 when he was replaced during the season by 23-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson.

In the same year, Ricciardo’s partnership with telecommunications company Optus ended after four years. He was in the ‘Chief of Optimism’ position at the company.

Featured Image: Credit to Morio on Wikipedia Commons

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