On June 6th Paul Isherwood talked to us about ‘Gamblers Anonymous’. He presented a fascinating talk, speaking from the heart with no notes or visual aids. Paul provided insights into the mind of a compulsive gambler, his gambling addiction and how he overcame it. He described how as a ten year old living in Blackpool he became addicted to the slot machines in the glittering arcades in Blackpool. It wasn’t about the money, though the dream of a jackpot led him to having to get money in any way to continue gambling. He was never challenged to stop by any adult.

When he was 14 years old his mother contacted GA, leading to his stopping gambling. He last gambled in 1987, and now talks to groups in schools and elsewhere. Questions included how to help children avoid compulsive gambling, and Paul revealed that on the seaside piers at UK’s holiday resorts there is no minimum age for gambling, as they are regarded as ‘offshore’.