Bereaved Mum Backs Calls For Gambling Regulation

A mom from Kent whose boy took his own life after becoming addicted to betting is backing calls by MPs to treat gambling as a public health risk in a similar method to drinking and cigarette smoking.


Lesley Wade, from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, lost her child Aaron Armstrong, whom she as "family orientated", "enjoyable" and a "fantastic sportsperson," in 2014.


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


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


4 February 2026


Minster (Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction