Help Available To Prevent Gambling Problems, Says John Hartson

5 November 2018


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John Hartson thinks the "tools" are in location to prevent betting practices becoming unhealthy dependencies.


Former Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has formerly spoken about his betting addiction and is supporting a brand-new project by Scottish Professional Football League sponsors Ladbrokes that encourages accountable betting.


"I'm abstinent for seven years," stated the 43-year-old. "I prepare to remain clear of gambling. That is my option. It's everything about a personal option. Life is all about options.


"There is assistance there. It ended up being a severe problem for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop people getting to where I was because we're providing tools and we're providing a chance if the gambling does get out of control, there is aid, there's access - you can ban yourself from your local bookie, you can take yourself off the web if you gamble online.


"There are people out there, issue gamblers, and we put the check in location that if the betting is impacting your home life, your individual life, your health then there are places, there are indications and there is lots of guidance.


"There are circumstances now and places where people can fix that and become responsible gamblers."


Several gamers in Scotland have actually served restrictions for breaking gambling guidelines and club officials are also prohibited from putting bets on football matches.


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


"It's not for me to tell individuals to stop betting. People will not listen to me. If people desire to gamble, they'll bet.


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


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