By Evening Gazette

Gambling addict Middlesbrough dad of two warns of dangers of roulette machines

20 Jan 2014 10:55
Dad-of-two Michael O'Grady, 29, says roulette machines, with their 'user-friendly' setup, are 'the most addictive gambling activity'

Michael O'Grady

By Abigail Wing

A dad-of-two who gambled away £250,000 as part of his addiction - is now warning others about the dangers of roulette machines.

Middlesbrough man Michael O’Grady, 29, started gambling when he was 19 with the odd football bet and what he calls ‘social gambling.’

“I’d go to the casino and take about £50-100, being sociable with friends.”

But after losing both his parents to cancer, his habit became destructive. Michael said: “I used gambling as a kind of escapism, a fantasy world.”

Roulette machines have been criticised for their ‘user-friendly’ setup - comfy chairs, fast button reactions and HD screens.

“It’s the most addictive gambling activity,” said Michael.

“They’re isolated; it’s just you and the machine.”

When he worked away he would spend all of his wages on gambling and live on stale bread and beans.

However he claims that he always had enough to send home to his partner and children, now aged four and six.

“I would consider myself to be a very serious gambler. If I was a heroin addict, I would be dead.” Michael said.

“I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I don’t take drugs. But roulette, black jack, poker, all the games on those machines are addictive in nature.”

Michael sought help through therapy and Youtube video diaries of other gambling addicts.

Now working as a welding inspector in Tyneside, Michael is making a serious effort in order to pay his debts back - which he says are about £20,000.

He plans to hand over financial control to a family member.

“I’d pop to the shop for a pint of milk and put a bet on as well. I’d spend £16 on a pint of milk.”

For anyone else struggling with a gambling addiction, Michael offered some advice.

“Confide in somebody you’re close to, and get rid of the element of easy access to cash,” he said.

“You need to be treated like a baby for some amount of time.”

Andy Preston, Chairman of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation said: “These clever, devious computers, strip almost £13m out of the Teesside economy.”

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said: “There are as many as 132 machines across the Stockton borough.

“The prevalence of these machines has huge consequences for families, for levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, and it could not be clearer that vulnerable communities are being targeted.”

For more information on gambling addiction visit the NHS website, or call Alliance Psychological Services in Stockton on 01642 352747.


http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/gambling-addict-middlesbrough-dad-two-6528027