Help Available To Prevent Gambling Problems, Says John Hartson

5 November 2018


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John Hartson thinks the "tools" remain in location to practices becoming unhealthy addictions.


Former Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has actually formerly discussed his gambling dependency and is supporting a new campaign by Scottish Professional Football League sponsors Ladbrokes that motivates responsible betting.


"I'm abstinent for 7 years," said the 43-year-old. "I prepare to remain clear of betting. That is my option. It's all about a personal choice. Life is everything about options.


"There is assistance there. It ended up being a major problem for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop individuals getting to where I was due to the fact that we're providing tools and we're giving them a chance if the betting does leave control, there is help, there's access - you can ban yourself from your regional bookie, you can take yourself off the web if you bet online.


"There are people out there, issue gamblers, and we put the indications in place that if the betting is affecting 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 positions where people can fix that and ended up being accountable gamblers."


Several players in Scotland have actually served bans for breaking betting guidelines and club authorities are also forbidden from positioning bets on football matches.


"I'm not here as a previous addict telling people to stop gambling," added Hartson. "I am here to assist 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 individuals wish to gamble, they'll gamble.


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


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