Bookmakers have been accused of using ‘predatory’ tactics to lure back former gambling addicts during the coronavirus lockdown.
With betting shops closed, firms have flooded social media with promotions offering welcome bonuses of up to £1,500.
Health professionals, addiction specialists and MPs said people who had kicked their habit were struggling to cope with the targeted adverts, texts and emails.
The country’s top mental health official said the deliberate targeting of was ‘shameless’ and ‘below the belt’.
And a report by a former detective has accused bookmakers of failing to check whether gamblers are using stolen money.
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With betting shops closed, firms have flooded social media with promotions offering welcome bonuses of up to £1,500 (file photo)
The Daily Mail’s Stop the Gambling Predators campaign continues to call for greater protection for addicts.arbitragesoftware.net This is vital because the suspension of sports means betting companies are pouring their efforts into advertising online casinos, which are more addictive.
Almost one in ten of those who play online slots or use casino and bingo websites are problem gamblers compared to 2.5 per cent of those who place sports bets, according to the most recent analysis by the Gambling Commission.
Leading doctors call for ban on gambling advertisements 'to... More than 550,000 punters turn their backs on online betting...
Experts fear that vulnerable gamblers trapped at home are being lured by adverts, which offer free spins and welcome bonuses, on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Claire Murdoch, NHS mental health director, told The Sunday Times: ��These tactics are shameless.elroyalehotel.com They are predatory and need to stop.
��Reports of firms deliberately targeting ex-punters who have beaten their demons and attempting to exploit them again during the coronavirus is below the belt - even for an industry whose moral compass is so consistently off.’
Health professionals, addiction specialists and MPs said people who had kicked their habit were struggling to cope with the targeted adverts, texts and emails (file photo)
And Labour MP Carolyn Harris, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for gambling- related harm, has been sent dozens of emails from people who haven’t gambled for several years but are now being targeted.
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Meanwhile a report by Alex Macey, a reformed gambling addict and former police detective, said betting companies are failing to stop customers from using stolen money.snu.ac.kr Mr Macey, chairman of the Gamvisory Group which campaigns for more transparency in the industry, said: ��Some gamblers are turning to crime to fund their bets and are getting away with it because there are no proper checks.’
The former officer, who lost £250,000 to his addiction, said his organisation had uncovered systemic failings in the checks to see whether gamblers could afford the sums they were betting.
The Betting and Gaming Council promised new checks ‘to ensure that people are betting within their means’.
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