It’s time to change our gambling laws

James Mildred  |  Features  |  politics & policy
Date posted:  1 Aug 2020
Share Add       
It’s time to change our  gambling laws

image: iStock

One of the great issues of our time is gambling-related harms. Whilst there is no direct biblical command not to gamble, it is far from silent on the topic. In fact, gambling can often lead to or exacerbate traits we are clearly instructed and warned to steer away from, such as greed, the love of money, and selfishness.

For nearly 2 million people across the UK, it is a real problem. That’s how many are at risk of becoming ‘problem gamblers’. There are also 395,000 adults who are already addicted across the UK. With the explosive growth of online gambling, these numbers seem only set to increase.

Public health risk

It was only a few years ago that gambling addiction became a recognised public health risk. More recent times have brought a growing awareness of the damage gambling addiction is doing. The spotlight has routinely been shone on the gambling industry, but the simple reality is that the betting industry is too large and prosperous to care much about the interests of vulnerable customers.

Share
Read more articles by James Mildred >>
Features
Assisted suicide: a clash  of two worldviews

Assisted suicide: a clash of two worldviews

In a column for The Times, commentator Matthew Parris said that legalising assisted suicide would put pressure on older …

People
Banner of Truth’s Humphrey Mildred dies

Banner of Truth’s Humphrey Mildred dies

On Sunday 31 December, Humphrey Mildred was promoted to glory, aged 89. He leaves behind his wife Ruth, and their …

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country.

Find out more

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search