Bereaved Mum Backs Require Gambling Regulation

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


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


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


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


4 February 2026


Minster (Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction