Kelly Field recovered after losing £70,000 and is now warning others about the signs of addiction
With the start of the Euro’s 2024, a former gambling addict from Lancashire is warning others about the signs of addiction.
Kelly Field from St Helens recovered nine years ago and is now an advocate for spotting the signs of gambling much earlier.
Having lost as much as £70,000 due to her addiction, Field is trying to show that the dangers of gambling can be both visible and invisible
Kelly said that gambling can end up consuming those who struggle with the addiction as they do everything they can to chase their losses.
“People should be able to watch the game without thinking that there’s a gamble for the corner, the free kick, the goal, what time the goal is, who’s scoring the goal,” she said.
“It just sadly goes hand in hand with that that is now what football is, as well as other sports too.”
Speaking on the mental impact of the addiction, Field said: “If people are spending money and losing money due to gambling, it can have a massive impact on all aspects of people’s lives.”
“People can isolate themselves from family and friends and as a result only becoming more isolated, even losing friends – so it does have a massive impact on people’s lives.”
But Kelly was optimistic at the amount of help that is available for those who believe they have a problem with betting.
“I think it’s massively important for people to reach out if they are struggling with gambling or gambling addiction.
“I know from experience that it can consume you in more ways than financial,” she explained.
“I was at a point where I was suicidal with my addiction, and sadly too many people take their own lives as a direct result of gambling.”
“Reach out and someone will speak to you and someone will help you, and give you that advice!”
A new study from The University of Warwick reveals an insight into sports betting behaviour. The research, by Professor Elliot Ludvig, reveals that bettors are inclined to place larger and more risky bets when they have the option to ‘cash out’ before the outcome is determined.
Research, funded as part of The University of Warwick and Monash alliance, finds that the availability of a ‘cash-out’ option in sports betting significantly influences how much people are willing to bet.