04-05-2021 11:43 - edited 12-05-2021 11:29
04-05-2021 11:43 - edited 12-05-2021 11:29
Hey guys,
I know we post a lot of fun and silly things on here - however, this time, we want to talk about something serious. Gambling starts off as something harmless and fun but it can become an addiction quicker than you may think. Especially during the lockdown people may have taken on a hobby that has become a problem…
The issue
There were around 280,000 problem gamblers in England alone, according to a 2018 study by NHS Digital, although a YouGov survey in 2020 found this could now be 1.4 million across the UK.
Statistics released by the National Gambling Treatment Service in Oct 2020 show:
A surge in internet betting during the coronavirus pandemic was followed by a rise in the number of gamblers trying to block themselves from using online casinos and bookmakers, Gamstop, the national self-exclusion scheme for people wrestling with their gambling:
How we can help
Did you know that we can help if you are struggling with a gambling addiction? Our Access For You service can support you by adding additional spending controls to your O2 account, including adding tailored spend caps or age restrictions to the account. They can also prevent charges being added to your mobile bill if you’d find this helpful. For more information about our Access For You service, and how to register, check out https://www.o2.co.uk/access-for-all/services-and-support
Below are some websites which offer additional support:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-gambling-problems/
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/gambling-therapy-presents-gt-app/ - a free app to give you access to a collection of tools and information to help you identify and overcome problem gambling
https://www.gamstop.co.uk/– allows you to put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/ - offer support via a 24 phone line, web chat, group chats and forums with a linked site aimed at younger people - www.bigdeal.org.uk
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk – a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with each other so they may solve their common problem and help others do the same
https://www.begambleaware.org/ - working alongside the NHS, to offer telephone, on-line and face to face treatment
www.gamblingtherapy.org/ - A free, multi-lingual online service for those who reside outside the UK
If you suffer from a gambling addiction or know someone who does don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. It is never to late to take a first step and leave bad habits behind.
→ COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
→ Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
→ Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
→ Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help
If you'd like to take part, why not register?
on 04-05-2021 12:05
on 04-05-2021 12:05
Hi @LukasB
Nice to hear from you to-day.
Good subject.
Hope that it will help those who don't know where to turn for help.
I have never enjoyed card playing or the fruit machines never been to a Casino.
The lottery is a con. Scratch cards are also a con. I don't like fun-fairs either.
I abhor Horse Racing and Dog track racing.
The "house always wins" is the motto of these gambling places.
I am surprised actually that the Government allows so much gambling and easily available
gambling i.e. arm chair gambling. I suppose it is because they make millions from it.
Is it enjoyment? So much heart-ache, so much despair.
Horse Racing money was so important during the very early days of the pandemic that the Government did not close the Horse racing tracks and 60,000 people a day went to these meetings shocks me really. Then closed immediately after racing/gambling completed.
TV advertising too gamble on this gamble on that win this win that doesn't help.
What's really odd is that whilst trying to encourage the listener to gamble there is a little
notice "be gamble aware" is this a joke.
on 04-05-2021 12:15
on 04-05-2021 12:15
@TallTrees Thank you - it is quite a big issue and I was not aware until now. I see how easy it is to get addicted. I can never buy one scratch card it makes me mad if I dont win and I keep going and going...
→ COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
→ Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
→ Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
→ Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help
If you'd like to take part, why not register?
on 04-05-2021 12:15
on 04-05-2021 12:15
A very important topic @LukasB
I also agree with @TallTrees. The advertising for gambling has increased over the last year or so.
I enjoy an occasional flutter on the lottery as it does support good causes.
I've been into a casino once and couldn't believe the excitement. I was bored.
Thanks for all the links you gave. Extremely helpful for many.
Veritas Numquam Perit
on 04-05-2021 15:09
on 04-05-2021 16:57
on 04-05-2021 16:57
on 04-05-2021 17:12
on 04-05-2021 17:12
@TallTrees same for me I've played the lottery a few times but I much prefer putting my money towards investments and the future.