I’ve been doing debt advice for a long time now, close to 16 years and I’ve dealt with a lot of case in that time. Kevin and Paul will be the same I’m sure.

What’s starting to become a lot more common in the last 2-3 years is the amount of clients that have experienced issues with gambling which has been a contributing factor for finding themselves in financial difficulty. On the forum I’d also say it’s becoming a more popular subject.

As part of the advice process we need to collect bank statements to verify expenditure items and It’s normally at this point that a client can start to panic a little and then it comes out there is gambling on the statements. As an advisor all we care about is working with client to find a solution that improves their financial situation and not to judge anyone. It does feel like every 2nd or 3rd client I deal with now has gambling on their bank statements.

I’m also seeing a real mixture in people of all ages and also males and females that are finding it difficult to deal with gambling issues and increasing debt balances. I think it always used to be the traditional male orientated bookies betting shop but that is changing now and it’s all online. This has drawn in a lot more customers for the betting companies. We are even starting to see the closure of high street betting shops with a move to online.

Recently I’ve dealt with a 19 year old male and also a 74 year old female who was addicted to online bingo. For her it was loneliness and the fact she didn’t feel that spending money on her mobile phone apps was spending real money. When she used to go to the bingo her limit was what she had in her purse. For him it was gambling from a young age on football matches that quickly spiralled out of control.

I guess the point I’m trying to make is if you have debt and also some gambling, don’t let that put you off from seeking advice and help. Burying heads in sands rarely works and clients will always say that they wished they had reached out for help and advice sooner.