Bereaved Mum Backs Require Gambling Regulation

A mother from Kent whose son took his own life after becoming addicted to gaming is backing calls by MPs to deal with gaming as a public health threat in a similar method to drinking and smoking.


Lesley Wade, from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, lost her kid Aaron Armstrong, whom she describes as "household orientated", "fun" and a "dazzling sportsman," in 2014.


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


The Betting and Gaming Council stated the "frustrating bulk" of individuals who bet do so "safely and responsibly."


4 February 2026


(Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction