LISTEN- Father of son who took own life because of gambling addiction brands it "hidden killer"

by Gráinne Connolly

Enniskillen man Pete Keogh has branded gambling as a "hidden killer", as he campaigns to tackle the issue. 

Pete is all too familiar with the effects of gambling and the impact it can have after his son Lewis took his own life because of his gambling addiction. 

The 34 year old who died just over 4 years ago was living in Leeds at the time, and was gambling online with credit cards that he couldn't afford. 

His father Pete said he has "absolutely no doubt" that his son's addiction led to his death because "it just got too much. He didn't see a way out." 

Q Radio's been talking to Pete who has since become involved a 38 Degrees campaign to urge the Government to crack down on gambling:

https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/2654?

They've been helping cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), which have been called the crack cocaine as gambling, from £100 to between £50 and £5. 

As an ex sportsman, Pete says he also wants to look at an issue that he's become increasingly aware of and that's the issue of advertising for gambling companies through sports.

In today's society, more and more young children have mobile phones which are usually an iPhone or smartphone that automatically comes with the ability to download 'apps'. 

The majority of betting companies now also have 'apps' which means people can register their bank accounts and bet straight from their mobile phone.  

This is similar to the FOBTs in the sense that users are losing money within a matter of minutes and sometimes not even keeping track of how much; as it's coming straight out of their bank account rather than handing cash over in a bookmakers shop. 
 

Pete's other concern is that more children and teenagers have more access to these betting apps and could be gambling without their parents knowledge, similar to his son Lewis: 

Pete's proposals have been met with some criticism from the government and betting companies, as it could result in a loss of revenue for them. 

However, in January the law is to change in regards to the FOBTs but the amount it will be changed to hasn't been set yet.

Mr Keogh is encouraging parents to become more aware of gambling and warn their children of the dangers from a young age, as mentioned before it's the "hidden killer" unlike other addictions.