Is it now time to curb gambling?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....vings-fund-habit.html

We have witnessed the abolishment of tobacco products Ads, Tobacco products hidden from view in the supermarkets, the warning signs on alcoholic drinks, and now they are considering turning their attentions to food, so as to cut out obesity.

Yet we constantly see the increase of betting shops on the high street, numerous TV ads for on-line gambling, and the 'buy now pay later', and loan shark TV ads.

Isn't it now time that these issues should also be addressed, as they can cause much distress and hardship to vulnerable persons.

Yet no 'warnings' attached to these.

[LazyGun]

Well, the payday loans sector are being investigated - by the EU, the OFT, and by a commons select committee. Such companies have to be licensed and bonded before trading; they have to place disclaimers and publicize their rates, which they do. I personally think that there should be an upper cap on the APR, that there should be a central database that all such firms can consult so that they can see if individuals have loans elswhere.

It will be interesting to see what further rules and regulations are proposed.

As to gambling - what restrictions would you like to see, AoG, if any? I think most people are aware of the risks associated with gambling. The only things I have real concerns about is these Fixed Odds machines, where you can gamble truly frightening amounts of money very quickly, and on the high street. I do think additional restrictions are required there.

[boxtops]

I'm sick of all the betting shops in our town - there is a planning application for a closed pub to be turned into yet another one. Ironically - one is adjacent to our pawn shop and the cheque-cashing shop.

[ummmm]

Lazygun - I don't think people know the risks when they start.

My Dad was a gambling addict, I know first hand the devastation it causes. I hate seeing these advert encouraging people to gamble.

[friedgreentomato]

not every person who gambles is an addict

[anotheoldgit]

/// not every person who gambles is an addict ///

That proves nothing, one could say not everyone who takes drugs is an addict or that not every drinker is an alcoholic.

It is the risk that one can soon become one.

[Svejk]

Well,well,well, what a disappointment to see you, AOG , of all people 'whittering on' in such a namby-pamby fashion.
Since when did you join the Harriet Harman fan club?
To address the question, should'nt people be responsible for their own behaviour, short-comings etc.
You are the last person I'd expect to hear calling for more government interference in our lives.
Of course, if you are only playing Devil's Advocate to make fools out of the Liberati, apologies.

[emmie]

i totally agree, the fact that you can find so many more betting shops on the high street now fills me with despair. Worse is the online gambling, where at the press of a button you can lose your shirt, house, and anything else in between. I remember watching a guy who came into the pub i once worked in and loaded money into the fruit machine, he might just have well chucked in the river.

[emmie]

the money that is, not himself

[anotheoldgit]

thetaliesin

No I am not playing 'Devil's Advocate' as you suggest.

Since such sites are focused at the less wealthy and more vulnerable in our society, then surely it makes sense that if they can't be responsible for their own actions, then perhaps it would be wise to introduce some legislation, so as to protect them from themselves.

[ronnietoon]

people often lose their jobs,houses,etc and even lives(literally),through bookies agree with boxtops about the number's opening up,

[Baldric]

Advocating yet more interference from the Nanny State?
As adults are we not Masters/Mistresses of our own destiny?

[Svejk]

Oh yes, Em, maybe that guy was me.
And maybe adults should be allowed to dispose of their own money as they see fit.
Is it possible you spend money on things that someone else thinks a frightful waste of money?
Should the government step in to tell you where your money is spent?

[237SJ]

No, I don`t think it`s time to curb gambling. If you curb gambling, there will just be an increase in underground gambling dens. Nobody`s forced to go into the betting shops and people need to take responsibility for their own actions (IMO)

[emmie]

we may be, but don't we also have a duty to help where we can. Notices on cig packets doesn't stop smoking, however many people do give up, perhaps the cost is becoming prohibitive. I like having the odd flutter on the horses, and have been to casino's in the old days, having said that it is a hundred times easier now to blow your money. On line gambling is insidious, and time that was cracked down on. Pay day loans, sharks one and all.

[emmie]

perhaps that guy was you, perhaps not, but i have seen a hundred like him and more, and believe me you never ever win. Perhaps there are things i spend money on that some might think a waste, though quite frankly i don't have any to waste as it is.

[hc4361]

I was having a discussion about this last week and I concluded that I am very thankful to be a gambler because it is available in every form 24/7 - without me having to go out.
I could play poker, bingo, bet on sports all around the world and even if one gambling site sets a daily limit it wouldn't stop me using several sites in a day.

I don't think it can be regulated though - the UK cannot rule over the world's websites.

[Gromit]

All sounds a bit nanny state to me.

[humbersloop]

nanny state

drugs should be legalised as well,imo

[zebo]

The problem seems to be that people have become addicted to gambling and are hence seen as victims, getting help on the State etc, so the rest of us are picking up the bill for other people's choices which have got out of hand.
I get amazed at the number of scratch cards people buy. There seems to be an inverse correlation between a person's apparent financial situation and the number of scratch cards they buy. That'll get me into trouble no doubt!

[anotheoldgit]

/// I don't think it can be regulated though - the UK cannot rule over the world's websites. ///

Maybe not, but at least they could stop such sites advertising on national TV.

Perhaps we would then be able to at least get rid of the ridiculous 'BINGO HEAD' sponsorship of Emmerdale?