Report to the People
9th January 2006
Help
Can’t be 100-1 Outsider
Now that we’re a week or so
into the new year, how are the Resolutions holding up?
Still on the skimmed milk and
low-fat spread? Still walking to
work? If so, then well done.
For some people, though,
making a New Year’s Resolution is about more than just foregoing the odd
luxury. Those who struggle with
addictions, for example, can find changing their behaviour very difficult.
Take gambling.
Whether it’s a pound on the
Lottery, a fiver on your team to win the league, or your annual flutter on the
Grand National, gambling is a bit of harmless fun for many of us.
Indeed, a recent British survey found that around three quarters of
adults gamble every year.
But the same study found that
a small percentage of the population are problem gamblers.
This can be an expensive and
debilitating addiction. And, in the
age of internet gaming and placing bets through your television, there have
never been more temptations for those with gambling problems.
Even if it was practical,
though, banning online gambling would not be fair on the many who enjoy it
responsibly. Rather, we should make
sure that help is there when it’s needed.
I was therefore glad to learn at a recent meeting with the RCA Trust, who
help problem gamblers in Inverclyde, that the gaming industry is willing to help
provide this assistance.
So, if your gambling is
getting out of control, call the GamCare helpline on 0845 6000 133.
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