I
knew Tony for several years before it became apparent he had gambling
problems. I suppose the evidence surfaced as we became closer friends
and we spent more time together.
We both had long time partners and lived in the UK, approximately 40 miles away so quite a drive away, by English standards.
I
enjoyed Tony’s company because of his naturally buoyant, outgoing
personality. He was always very gregarious and a good asset to be had
when going out for an evening.
It
was only when we were in a pub / bar with something “competitive”
available that his personality could change dramatically. This could
take the form of a pool table, quiz machines and in particular, fruit
machines.
I
quickly realised that if he was to put just £1 into a fruit machine, he
had immense difficulty prising himself from that machine for the rest
of the night. In fact, he had no chance he would only remove himself
from it after spending all his own money, borrowing off me and other
friends and spending their money before the machine was switched off by
staff.
Inevitably he would then be in a dejected mood and often go for a couple of king-size donna kebabs. (edit by Tony...depression makes me hungry!)
Later
I would learn of Tony’s other gambling addictions. As gambling became
progressively more available via the internet, FOBT’s and smart phones,
he was informing me of “systems” he was using to win at roulette. My
attitude was stoic, I knew that a casinos exist and bleed people dry
because no “system” can ever work. Even if you work very hard and learn
how to count cards in a Vegas casino , if the owners find out they kick
you out and bar you at the very least, break your legs if you try it
again (just watch the film Casino).
Tony’s
“system” was the classic “gamblers fallacy”. He was convinced that
history at a roulette wheel would have an outcome on his spin. As if all
the roulette tables in the world exerted a mysterious force on the one
he was playing on. He was convinced of this or at least he pretended to
be in order to justify his own playing.
Despite
my protests that his system was flawed, he proudly announced to me day
after day that his system was working and gave me a running tally of his
profits. One day he even produced a huge wedge of £20 notes and said
that was £7,000. I was astonished and even thought I might be wrong
after all!!!
It
wasn’t long though. Tony obviously kept playing and even if that £7,000
was real actual winnings, he lost it. And more. Much More. When I asked
him if his “system” was still working, he said ashamedly that he had
lost £20,000. At this point I just felt like saying “I told you so”, but
I realised he’d got a problem. So I still said “I told you so” thinking
he’s been an idiot and what I said was gonna happen has just happened.
Of
course after trying to convince him more, using maths, using analogies
with alcoholism (which I can from personal experience draw a lot of
parallels with gambling addiction) and with feedback from friends.
I
think casinos / gambling sites / bookies prey on the compulsive
gamblers amongst us, that’s where they probably make most of their
money. I think more rules should be brought in to regulate the industry –
I suggest a US style block on Casino websites that are almost
exclusively use credit cards in order for you to play.
Basically
the whole industry sickens me and like all vices, those who peddle it
will always justify it by saying that “the majority use it responsibly”.
What they fail to say is they couldn’t give a f**k about their most
precious customers whose lives they ruin.
Mark Williams
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