Rachel HowarthBBC News, Lancashire
BBC
A mum whose “horrific” gambling addiction almost lost her son his nursery place is is helping others to spot the signs and overcome dependence.
Emma McLeod, mum-of-one from Blackpool, found herself in spiralling debt after an online betting habit – which started at 20p a spin – also almost cost her her home.
The 41-year-old’s first foray into gambling began 12 years ago, when – suffering with post-natal depression – she began to visit online bingo sites, often putting in the lowest stake possible for a spin.
“It advanced very quickly from there,” said Emma, who has been in recovery for the past six years.
“It started with a 20p bingo book,…