Gambling with their lives
THE final episode of Ross Kemp’s series exploring some of the biggest issues affecting Britain today sees him meet people whose lives have been destroyed by online gambling.
This addiction might not be as high profile or talked-about as others, but its impact can be just as devastating – and even deadly.
And boy, is gambling big business in Britain. We have the biggest regulated online gambling market in the world, worth an estimated £5.4 billion a year. The fact that it’s so easy and accessible – constantly available on our smartphones, laptops, TVs – is what makes it so dangerous.
No longer do people need to go to the bookies or a casino to place bets, they can indulge anytime and anywhere.
Ross meets teacher Alex, whose addiction became so bad he was forced to take himself ‘off grid’ to avoid temptation.
He reveals that, at the height of his addiction, he accrued winnings of £127,000 – which he then blew in less than half an hour.
He also talks to engineer Michael, who came close to losing his partner and children over his addiction and the huge debts he racked up, and a mum who sobs as she reveals she’s gambled away the money for her son’s birthday presents.
Finally, he meets two couples who have lost the most precious thing: both their adult sons took their own lives.
It’s a heart-breaking conversation, as they say they know their sons were killed by online gambling, and beg the industry to do more.