interesting to consider the problem with gambling isn't just about money but time. As Luca Cumani once said: ''You only worry about time when you are in jail.''
So what is the problem with time? It is that gambling is now available 24 hours a day.
''Time multiplied by continuous staking is an equation that can result in a speedy loss of financial resources.''
This is one reason why the Gambling Commission report on FOBT didn't simply concentrate on the maximum bet but setting time limits. This may be a better approach.
Bookmakers are keep on loyalty scheme cards which will help punters track their betting and make an informed choice whether to carry on. In addition, it would help bookmakers identify problem gamblers.
It is an interesting point for all gamblers - whether they consider they have a problem or not - to review how they gamble and the consequences of their actions. It gives an opportunity to assess.
Many online bookmakers now offer the option to set time limits and alarm calls. Whether gamblers will doing this is perhaps a different matter. I would like to know the percentage of players who even use this facility. My guess is that very few do.
There is little doubt that playing slot (which are known to be one of the most addictive forms of gambling) that a reminder can be used to appear on screen as a ''reality check''. A moment to consider.
All these aspects of gambling bring focus of self-discipline which is something lacking for the majority of gamblers. Racing Post's betting editor said: “the more time you have to study horseracing the more likely it is you will have all bases covered when it comes to striking a bet”, he emphasised “my policy is to find the highest-class race of the day with eight or more runners and move on to the next best if I can’t find a bet”.
He continued: '' “I know most people don’t have that luxury, so the suggestion is to limit how many races you intend to bet on.”