Bereaved Mum Backs Calls For Gambling Regulation

A mother from Kent whose kid took his own life after ending up being addicted to betting is backing calls by MPs to treat gaming as a threat in a similar way to drinking and cigarette smoking.


Lesley Wade, from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, lost her kid Aaron Armstrong, whom she describes as "family orientated", "fun" and a "brilliant sportsman," in 2014.


She stated it had actually taken her several years to understand the nature of addiction which "the onus wasn't all on him" to stop gambling.


The Betting and Gaming Council said the "overwhelming bulk" of people who gamble do so "securely and properly."


4 February 2026


Minster (Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction