Skip to main content

Don’t push us towards the black market

Sally and terry

I don’t know about you, but I worry about the impact of the new rules that the government is talking about for gambling.

I’ve said before that I think anti-gambling campaigners just assume everyone who gambles has a problem. They actually risk increasing that number, not decreasing it, if you end up pushing people towards the black market by blocking their routes to safe, regulated betting.

Think for a second about the people who play online games like bingo. Many are elderly and just playing for a bit of fun or a chance to socialise. Now think about how often you read about vulnerable people getting caught up in online scams. Those same people could be pushed into the hands of much less scrupulous gambling providers if the hoops they have to jump through just to have a bet become bigger and bigger.

It scares us to think about and we just ask the government to have another think and make sure they get the balance right.

About the Author

Sally and terry

Sally and Terry

We’re Terry and Sally, a retired couple living in Yeovil.

We’ve got two grown-up children and Terry is a keen golfer. Another little hobby is ours is having a bet as we love our sport – it might be horses or football, but most months we spend about £150 having a punt.

This is well within what we can afford and we do it for the fun and for the social aspect, which people often overlook. We knows the managers and punters at our local Coral shop and, in normal times, it’s always nice to pop in for a coffee and chat. The banter and chat around the betting shop is great, especially for retired people.

Having a bet is just part of our everyday life like so many people in Britain. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s a safe hobby for us and our son bets safely too.

Those in power need to hear from people like us.

The Players' Panel Logo White

Join the Players' Panel

Add your voice to the debate on the future of digital entertainment and gaming. If you are a customer of Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala or Foxy Games, or any of our other brands, please apply here.