Hugh Muir (Opinion, 16 December) provides comprehensive evidence of how gambling can have a devastating impact on individuals, their families and communities. All too often, the poor and disadvantaged fall victim to addiction, with easy-to-use fixed odds terminals and internet sites compounding an age-old problem. Given the perils of gambling addiction, it is inexcusable that government allows the cheeky cockney/bit of a laugh advertising that surrounds sports events and sports stars and is distanced from the grim reality. Banning sports advertising would be a start.
Cultural acceptance should be challenged. The National Lottery is a scandal. While many of its causes are noble, its methods are not. Scratch cards, tacky TV and sensational jackpots are as bad as fixed-odds terminals. The most money is contributed by those least able to afford it. It is, in effect, a regressive tax which funds causes across sport and the arts and provides an introduction to gambling for thousands. Scrapping the lottery and funding indispensable projects through general taxation would be advisable.
Ashley Naylor
Poole, Dorset
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
