GAMBLING is a secret addiction and unlike drug abuse or alcoholism, it is possible for people to slip into serious problems without anyone close spotting it until the bailiffs are at the front door.
Laying a bet used to be a very public act. 
You turned up at the betting shop or bingo hall and generally had to look someone in the eye when placing a stake.
Not anymore. The big gambling companies have feverishly taken advantage of online transactions via phones or devices which can be made 24 hours a day.
But there’s a world of difference between handing over ‘hard cash’ on the 3.30pm at Chepstow, and frittering away ‘digital’ money on far-fetched accumulators or addictive games on your mobile.
Eventually, the physical long term effects of drug abuse and alcoholism are difficult to conceal from loves ones.
Gambling problems are far harder to spot, particularly if someone is earning a regular, steady income.
People do have to take responsibility and a bet every now and then doesn’t do any harm.
Yet the ease, availability and encouragement to lay bets, is everywhere now and can prove the financial undoing for some.
Jonathan Cooper’s experience is worth reading.