General Discussion

having stayed in dawlish for a few days, liking the odd flutter when the weather is poor, i strolled into the two betting shops dawlish has to offer. I was really saddened at the sight of many people there that were like zombies fixated on some machines playing roulette. having deliberately studied this for a while, i was dismayed at the amount of money these people feed into them (twenty pound notes were fed into them in quick succession). But the thing which i found most disturbing was an elderly gentleman who had clearly just lost a large amount of money, leaving the shop, head bowed, and scratching around in his pockets for all loose change. Seemingly finding none he asked a few people if they could spare some change for his bus fare! I have asked a few people i know, if this form of betting is commonplace now, and it seems that these machines are addicting an ever increasing percentage of the population. I am told that people who used to bet on the horses staking a couple of pounds, are now dipping into lifetime savings to fund their addiction, probably without the knowledge of loveones. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this issue, or am I getting a bit carried away?

My partner had a problem with gambling a long time ago and got help for it but at the time I didn't realise how out of control it had got. I feel very sorry for the people who get caught up in this addiction, as you pointed out, I expect their loved ones are totally unaware of how much they're spending. It is OK for people who can go and have a flutter now and again, but for people who have addictive personalities it becomes a real problem. It's a shame we had to have another betting shop in the town, it just attracts vulnerable people.

And like all addicts, whether it is drink, smoking, soft/hard drugs. They kid themselves that they are in control of it. When in reality they are totally out of control. Sad, very sad.
The latest is the mother of one of the Ipswich murders. She didn't no she was a prostitute and she kidded her mother into believing that she did not take drugs. That is what is called accute deviousness.

one further point regarding these betting shops. It is also quite amazing the hours these shops now stay open for. Every day they open until late in the evenings. Mostly I believe geared around these roulette machines. Some people will probably come on here and state that we are all adults and are quite capable of making our own decisions as to whether and when we should be able to bet. However, the more i look at it the more i believe these gambling companies are creating a massive problem for society just so as to please shareholders. Sad, very sad. Also i believe out of all the common vices, i.e. alcohol, smoking, drugs, etc, gambling is the one that is most easy to hide from others, until they reach break point. This is however not a Dawlish problem, it is a British problem.

I must say I was quite disgusted today at a conversation I overheard in one of these shops. I entered the premises to acquire a price for a couple of good tips i have been given for the forthcoming cheltenham meeting, and one young chap said to the other one "i aint touching any job for under 50 quid a day unless its cash in hand, so i can still sign on". If these shops are going to encourage this level of person then yes, they should be shut down.

Should society ban everything enjoyable because some people might abuse it.
I dont gamble and think 2 betting shops & an arcade in a town this small is a waste of retail space, but some people like a flutter and why should it be denied them.
If you get rid of betting shops an adicted gambler would still bet be it the lottery or going up the pub to play cards.
Should pubs be banned because some people go in them waste all their money to feed their alcohol problem.
People have to take responsibility for their own actions

I sgree. How many pubs in Dawlish?.. include the Legion and Clubs.. from Ths Swan to the sea its about 14.. what does that say, when people moan about two betting shops.

Yeah betting shops suck but pubs are great.

Live & let live if people have an uncontrolled habit the rest of us shouldnt be penalised.There are fruit machines in every pub and club should these be removed.There are alcoholics in every pub should they all be closed down.Should the lottery be banned many people spend all their money on scratch cards bingo etc.
I have just walked past the betting shops they were virtually emmpty, one betting shop was enough for a small town like Dawlish. The old bank should have been a retail outlet. Our corrupt probably have shares in Bet Fred.

I expected that .. you have to use your brain to work out betting odds .. but not to pick up a pint. Can always judge any town by the number of pubs it has.

I hear the old post office is going to be a mini casino

Absolutely the more pubs the better.

Are you one of the pot bellied beer drinkers?

They are a right sad lot .. look at em stood outside The Lansdowne. Clearly have plenty of money to spend.. what a waste.

I went to the Lansdowne couple weeks ago people stand outside because of the smoking rules.
The pub is a social thing I had soft drinks and still had a good time its not all about boozy pot bellied louts

Excuse me but I didn't say pot bellied beer drinkers were louts!!
I happen to know one who's a nice bloke.

You infered it. How people spend their well earned cash it up to them, better to go and socialise in the pub than watch soaps on t.v

.. you have TV sport in there .. yuk.