By the way the documentary about Paul Merson and his gambling addiction was also shown last night. He has been able to put alcohol and drugs behind him but is still dogged by the gambling demon. Tests carried out for the programme showed that, even though it was more than a year since his last bet, his brain is so wired up to gambling triggers that his capacity to enjoy anything else in life such as food, family, friends or nature is compromised. Gambling is different to physical addictions and therefore the whole issue of advertising and sponsorship around it has to be reviewed.
