William Hill companies' £19.2 million fine after failing to protect customers provides further reason to get help if you've developed a habit – Steve Cardownie

The news that three gambling companies owned by William Hill are to pay penalties of £19.2 million for failing to protect customers, as well as having inadequate anti-money laundering controls, with one customer being allowed to open a new account and spend £23,000 in 20 minutes, beggars belief.
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Some of my friends regularly place bets on anything from football and boxing to golf and horse racing, but all appear to maintain a sense of proportion and do not let things get too out of control. However, that is not necessarily the case throughout the country.

Gambling has come a long way since my father used to get me to run down to the bookies on a Saturday morning with his bet, a roll-up with the nom-de-plume, Bus 13. On asking my mother why she did not do likewise, she said “I’ll put a bet on when I see a bookie on a bike” – words that have stayed with me to this day.

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Nowadays traipsing into a betting shop is no longer necessary, all that’s needed is a mobile phone and an online account, making it all too easy for hardened gamblers to amass significant losses as they try to recoup their money. The vast array of potential bets is staggering, particularly when it comes to football where a myriad of predictions seems to be the order of the day.

Online gambling, in addition to casinos and bookmakers, has made it far easier to lose vast amounts of money (Picture: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)Online gambling, in addition to casinos and bookmakers, has made it far easier to lose vast amounts of money (Picture: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)
Online gambling, in addition to casinos and bookmakers, has made it far easier to lose vast amounts of money (Picture: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

Under the conditions of betting firms’ licences, they must run checks to identify and contact customers who might be at risk from gambling. But for those seeking help, the National Gambling Helpline is a good place to start and Gamblers Anonymous provides details of meetings.

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