Help Available To Prevent Gambling Problems, Says John Hartson

5 November 2018


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John Hartson believes the "tools" remain in place to prevent gambling practices ending up being unhealthy dependencies.


Former Celtic and Hartson has previously discussed his gambling dependency and is supporting a brand-new campaign by Scottish Professional Football League sponsors Ladbrokes that motivates accountable wagering.


"I'm abstinent for 7 years," stated the 43-year-old. "I prepare to stay clear of gaming. That is my option. It's all about a personal choice. Life is all about choices.


"There is assistance there. It became a major issue for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop individuals getting to where I was due to the fact that we're providing them tools and we're providing a chance if the gambling does leave control, there is aid, there's access - you can prohibit yourself from your local bookmaker, you can take yourself off the internet if you gamble online.


"There are individuals out there, issue bettors, and we put the check in place that if the wagering is affecting your home life, your individual life, your health then there are places, there are signs and there is great deals of advice.


"There are situations now and puts where individuals can deal with that and ended up being accountable bettors."


Several players in Scotland have served restrictions for breaking gaming guidelines and club officials are also restricted from positioning bets on football matches.


"I'm not here as a former addict informing people to stop betting," included Hartson. "I am here to help individuals not to get to where I was.


"It's not for me to tell individuals to stop betting. People will not listen to me. If individuals wish to gamble, they'll gamble.


"We're not magicians. It's not a magic wand. If people wish to stop, they will look for help. If people don't desire to stop, then they just merely won't."


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