‘Just one more try – I’m due for a win’. Words spoken by many a gambler this week.
Whether it’s the lure of the high street betting shop or the secret flutter online, there are approximately 350,000 gambling addicts in the UK today. Many others gamble at lower levels: on horses, football, bingo or elections. Some of these people are in our churches, some living down our streets. Most keep the true extent of their losses (of money and time) hidden from their family and friends.
What’s the attraction?
People turn to gambling for many reasons. For some it’s the thought of quick cash. There might be debts to pay – or the ‘need’ to find creative ways of providing for the family. For others it’s escapism – the chance to leave the real world with all its stress and enter a place full of possibilities and dreams.
