Gambling is fun. It is meant as an entertainment. When handled responsibly it can bring hours of fun, and possibly a little extra cash. Unfortunately, though, gambling also has its pitfalls. Studies have shown that gambling can be as addictive as drugs and alcohol. It can also be as destructive. Those who are addicted to the highs created by gambling can find themselves in a bind they may not be able to come out of. They can accumulate serious debts that could destroy their lifestyle as well as get them in trouble with some pretty bad people.
The United Kingdom has recently seen two cases that show how an online gambling addiction can ruin lives. Anthony Demarco had racked up so much debt to an online casino that he had relegated himself to taking up loans with some pretty unscrupulous loan sharks. Reports suggest that Demarco had accumulated close to £1 million in debts to the loan sharks. They were ready for their money, and were not afraid to go to extreme measures to drive their point home. A hit was put out of Demarco’s life. Sadly, Demarco’s dad was literally caught in the cross fire. He suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Thankfully he has survived, and, thankfully, those responsible were sent to jail. However, his son’s addiction still needs to be addressed as he has also ripped of two companies in attempt to settle the debt.
Christopher Proudfoot is a 26 year old credit controller (ironically enough) for a reputable financial firm. He also fell victim to the pitfalls of gambling addiction, so much o that it is reported that he was wagering close to £6,000 a week. This got him in a little trouble so he started taking money from the firm’s communication accounts. He has admitted to embezzling well over 900,000. The judge found this to be “criminally irresponsible” and sentenced Proudfoot to forty months in prison, suggesting that Proudfoot should be thankful that no one lost their job because of his actions.
