The internet is full of sad stories. Stories when compulsive gambling destroyed families, lives and even led to suicides. Gambling is dangerous, should be regulated and the stories are mostly real.
But let’s put a twist there and include alcohol or car accidents into the account. 24% of adults in England regularly drink and there are an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers. Only 18% are receiving treatment.
In 2019 in the UK car accident caused around 26 000 serious injuries and almost 1900 deaths. The number is 4% higher than previous year.
As for gambling we only have UK statistics counting 350 000 addictions. 5% of people seek help and only 1% get the treatment.
None of the numbers is ok and we are not trying to say that gambling is not a problem. It is just the attitude towards gambling. Problem cases are harming any industry. While alcohol is legal and UK citizens drink gallons per year, only some of them become alcoholics.
Car can be a lethal weapon and the injury and death toll is confirming it. While about alcoholism and car accidents we don’t hear that much, gambling is a different story. Every time when a politician wants to gain some votes there are some sure bets and gambling is indeed one of them.
Our message? Regulate, protect the vulnerables but do not do the “Witch hunt”.
