Madam, – Although the news that Paddy Power is to create 250 new jobs is to be welcomed, it is somewhat ironic that in this time of recession, the only growth industry appears to be gambling (Breaking News, November 12th).
It is hardly surprising. Gambling is a seductive activity, giving out the illusion that one can get rich quick by placing a small wager on the outcome of an unpredictable event. If only it were so simple. We all know that in the betting shop there are always more “paying in” windows than those that pay out. Unfortunately, it is the very people who can least afford it who plough what little money they have into the coffers of our bookmakers.
As times get harder, desperation grows stronger and the bets become more speculative, resulting in the punter losing even more money. A depressing cycle indeed. – Yours, etc,