Help Available To Prevent Gambling Problems, Says John Hartson

5 November 2018


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John Hartson thinks the "tools" are in place to prevent betting habits becoming unhealthy dependencies.


Former Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has formerly discussed his betting dependency and is supporting a new project by Scottish Professional Football League sponsors Ladbrokes that encourages accountable betting.


"I'm abstinent for seven years," said the 43-year-old. "I prepare to stay clear of gambling. That is my choice. It's everything about an individual choice. Life is everything about options.


"There is assistance there. It became a serious problem for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop getting to where I was due to the fact that we're providing tools and we're providing an opportunity if the gaming does get out of control, there is help, there's gain access to - you can ban yourself from your local bookie, you can take yourself off the web if you gamble online.


"There are people out there, problem gamblers, and we put the check in location that if the betting is impacting your home life, your personal life, your health then there are places, there are indications and there is great deals of advice.


"There are situations now and places where individuals can deal with that and become accountable bettors."


Several gamers in Scotland have served bans for breaking gaming rules and club officials are also restricted from placing bets on football matches.


"I'm not here as a former addict telling people to stop betting," included Hartson. "I am here to assist people not to get to where I was.


"It's not for me to tell individuals to stop betting. People won't listen to me. If individuals want to gamble, they'll bet.


"We're not magicians. It's not a magic wand. If individuals want to stop, they will look for assistance. If people don't wish to stop, then they just simply won't."


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