Help Available To Prevent Gambling Problems, Says John Hartson
5 November 2018
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John Hartson believes the "tools" are in location to prevent betting routines ending up being unhealthy dependencies.
Former Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has actually previously discussed his gambling addiction and is supporting a new campaign by Scottish Professional Football Ladbrokes that motivates accountable betting.
"I'm abstinent for 7 years," said the 43-year-old. "I prepare to stay clear of betting. That is my choice. It's everything about a personal option. Life is everything about options.
"There is help there. It became a major problem for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop people getting to where I was due to the fact that we're providing tools and we're providing a chance if the betting does get out of control, there is assistance, there's gain access to - you can prohibit yourself from your local bookie, you can take yourself off the internet if you gamble online.
"There are people out there, issue bettors, and we put the indications in location that if the wagering is affecting your home life, your individual life, your health then there are locations, there are signs and there is great deals of recommendations.
"There are circumstances now and positions where people can deal with that and ended up being accountable gamblers."
Several gamers in Scotland have served bans for breaking gambling guidelines and club authorities are likewise forbidden from placing bets on football matches.
"I'm not here as a previous addict informing people to stop gambling," added Hartson. "I am here to help people not to get to where I was.
"It's not for me to tell people to stop gambling. People won't listen to me. If people want to gamble, they'll gamble.
"We're not magicians. It's not a magic wand. If people desire to stop, they will look for assistance. If individuals don't wish to stop, then they just merely will not."
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