I think you have covered a similar topic of why people gamble. If we can find ways to address why people resort to gambling would be helpful. The correlation between unemployment and gambling is shocking especially because it is so easily accessible now.

Banning or limiting gambling adverts would take the constant temptation out of sight, just as with alcohol and tobacco. These glossy ads sell the lie that gambling is a quick fix for money problems, when in reality it drains people to their last cent. In today’s harsh economy, pushing false hope is irresponsible and drives many deeper into ruin.

The amount of individual debt is appalling. Many people hope to solve their problems with a big win.

Online gambling should be banned. Maybe people have the right to fuck themselves up but let them do it in a physical watchable environment. Also abolish lotto - government should not promote gambling.

I think this worrying trend correlates with the fact that the GINI index increases. Middle class falls apart- more people getting really dirt poor and seeking for a quick fix to gain some much needed money - only to end up poorer. It is heart breaking and personally I find these betting ads plastered all over Cape Town airport nothing less then gross and tasteless. Linking betting to any type of sport is just ridiculous. There is nothing sporty in betting it is just SAD SAD SAD...

Lets limit adverts especially on sport. We banned advertising on tobacco and alcohol. Should do the same for gambling.

Gambling addiction is recognised alongside alcohol and drug addiction as an official diagnosis in diagnostic manuals used by psychiatrist and psychologists to diagnose mental health conditions. Gambling hijacks the dopamine pathways in the brain the same way alcohol and drugs can for those who are vulnerable. Gambling addiction is very serious and destroys lives. Safeguards should be put in place by government and gambling providers should be taxed heavily and the taxes used to fund extensive treatment programmes for gambling addiction. These companies make significant money off a traumatised and impoverished populations pain.

If profits from gambling are used to benefit disadvantaged people, and support clubs that reach out to disadvantaged youth, it can be justified. It's a big worry though, that gamblers are throwing away the money their families need to put food on the table.

Gambling is a sick way for people spending there money on something that is nothing

In the past it was inconvenient for people to gamble: They had to travel long distances to casinos & the problem was contained. Today, it's a free-for-all online where there are almost no barriers to individuals gambling away their salaries on their phones. The wealthy few are making billions whilst many are losing their livelihoods due to lack of controls. We've gone from one extreme to the other.