An Even Worse Decision
nick cowen, 6 January 2009
Last week, I wrote about the seemingly perverse decision by an appeal court not to cancel the two million pounds debts a compulsive gambler had run up with his bookmakers over a six month period after it failed to keep its agreement with him not to accept bets from him placed over the telephone.
Hot on the heels of that decision, as well those of Morris dancers and the incandescent light-bulb, it seems this week that it is the turn of common sense to become the latest victim of this country’s unstoppable slide into becoming just another impoverished and deracinated outlying region of the EU.
Supposedly to stimulate consumer spending at its beleaguered pubs, clubs and amusement arcades — but doubtless with half an eye too on the resultant increased tax revenues, the Government is proposing to double the allowed prize money and stake money of slot machines. Its reported reason is that ‘many operators across the gambling industry are finding trading conditions very difficult in the present climate.’
Given just how potentially addictive slot machines are known to be to those susceptible to their dubious charms, easing the difficulties of these ‘operators’ this way is undoubtedly going to make the lives of many others a damned sight more difficult. Comments by former slot-machine addicts and their spouses posted on the website of the newspaper reporting this story illustrate just how much more difficult the Government’s decision is likely to make the lives of many. Here are a couple of samples:
‘What an awful, awful idea. As an ex-gambler I feel this is disgustingly irresponsible behaviour on the part of the Government which seeks to ensnare vulnerable individuals into a lifetime of debt. It will take me another three years to pay the debts I incurred as a result of these machines. They have ruined my life for a number of years and nearly drove me to suicide – I am using everything I earn to pay off my debts but there is light at the end of the tunnel. To hear that the Government is planning to encourage more people to fall into this trap is very sad. I know I have beaten my addiction and now I can only pray for those who have yet to go through the pain and despair that comes with a gambling addiction…’ (Dara, London)
‘My intelligent, sensible, thoughtful husband became hooked on fruit machines & turned into a devious, selfish & cunning man who wiped out all our savings & his salary until his addiction was uncovered. So, so nearly cost us a good marriage but he found the strength of character to overcome the habit but there may be many out there who won’t be able to & I feel sad for them & their families. It’s pure hell for all concerned & for this Govt to make it more tempting is totally irresponsible.’ (Sue, Northants)
Happy New Year… I don’t think.