Elissa Hubbard, 38, has claimed that betting companies engage in “predatory” behavior, accusing them of promoting gambling to vulnerable individuals. She says that she secretly gambled away all the money she and her wife were gifted on their wedding day, describing gambling addiction as “a very lonely and shameful disease.” At its height, her addiction cost her £40,000 ($54,920) per year.
As per BBC research, nearly one in five gambling institutions is located in Wales’ poorest areas. Clusters of betting shops in impoverished regions are a significant problem, according to Dr. Jamie Torrance, a gambling psychology specialist at Swansea University, since both joblessness and financial hardship are significant risk factors for developing disordered gambling.
According to analysis by BBC Wales, there were 71 premises in the top 10% most deprived communities, compared to merely eight in the bottom 10%. Millar accused bookmakers of “driving and fuelling” addiction, alleging that companies take advantage of people in poorer neighborhoods by placing shops in community centers, which he called “completely unacceptable.” In response, the Betting and Gaming Council, which represents the industry, stated that its members have donated “£122.5m ($168.75m) within the last four years” to address gambling-related issues.
Elissa’s story is a reminder of the havoc that gambling addiction may wreak on the lives of individuals and their families. Gambling addiction needs a more extensive reaction from the government and the industry to safeguard people from the harm caused by excessive gambling.
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