Bereaved Mum Backs Calls For Gambling Regulation

A mom from Kent whose kid took his own life after ending up being to betting is backing calls by MPs to deal with gaming as a public health danger in a similar way to drinking and cigarette smoking.


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


She said it had actually taken her many years to understand the nature of addiction and that "the onus wasn't all on him" to stop betting.


The Betting and Gaming Council said the "overwhelming majority" of people who bet do so "securely and responsibly."


4 February 2026


Minster (Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction