On-line gambling fears

Calls for restrictions on internet gambling advertising have been made by UKIP Euro-MP Paul Nuttall.

"Every night TV viewers are bombarded with adverts for this pernicious activity and I am seriously concerned about it leading to more and more gambling addicts.

"These on-line gambling sites are springing up at a fast rate and, of course, the advertising is designed to make it seem innocuous fun, particularly bingo, and a sure fire winner," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"It may be fun for an occasional flutter, as can going to the races, but winning is another matter for the punters. We all know that gambling can easily become an expensive addiction and it is a very slippery slope. The number of gambling addicts in this country is rising.

"It is just so easy to use a mobile phone or computer to take part and before they know it people have parted with money they could not afford to lose. And they are particularly at risk of falling for the lure of these 'get rich quick' promises after consuming a few drinks.

"Young people are particularly vulnerable to such advertising as are those with money problems and sadly there are more and more people in that category because of the current economic climate.

"I am no puritan but I do feel that there needs to be some restrictions on advertising this particular activity and I have written to the Advertising Standards Authority about this," said Mr Nuttall.