Former football player, Paul Merson, promoted a new short about sports betting games, alongside Liverpool player, Gilly Flaherty, and youtuber, Ellis Platten.
The short features the three views on gambling experiences in an attempt to raise awareness of the support and free gaming tools available through TalkBanStop, a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and Gamstop.
Merson, Platten and Flaherty discuss their pre-game rituals in the short, and encourage those impacted by game damage to adopt a new habit via TalkBanStop.
Merson, former Arsenal and England player, who said Gamban saved his life: “It was great to be part of the short to help raise awareness of the tools and support people who can partner with TalkBanStop. These days it’s so different watching big games and tournaments, years ago you would have to go to the bookies to place a bet, but now your phone works like a walking casino, the temptation is constant”.
“By speaking to an advisor on the GamCare Helpline, obtaining a free Gamban license and signing up for Gamstop, people can put barriers in place to ensure gambling doesn’t get in the way of gaming,” added Paul Merson.
YouTuber and Podcaster Ellis Platten revealed that he had serious gambling problems after making his first bet at the age of 14, with football as his gateway to gambling. And Flaherty spoke about his vicarious experience with the game, watching how loved ones and teammates are struggling with game-related issues.
Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, commented: “At GamCare, we know that major sporting tournaments can be challenging for those struggling with gambling addiction. The temptation to place bets will be greater and we know that many people will be concerned that gambling might get in the way of your fun.”
“We want anyone with issues related to this to know that, through TalkBanStop, people have the perfect pre-match ritual to help them forget about temptation.”
