| Britains Most Shameless Woman Gives Industry Bad Name |
| Monday, 22 March 2010 10:39 |
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It was reported over the weekend how Britain's most shameless mother is asking the benefits office for more money, despite claims she spends hundreds of pounds a week on gaming machines. The majority of the gaming industry promotes ONLY responsible gambling, however questions will be raised that the industry should do more to reduce problem gambling.
Julie Potten, 38, receives £92 a week in incapacity benefit because she suffers with 'mood swings'. She spends the majority of the cash and her husbands wages on fruit machines. The sponger says she should get more cash so that she can cheer herself up. The newspaper report compares her to the real-life female version of Frank Gallagher in the Channel 4 TV program "Shameless". Julie has a 42inch TV in her council property but insists she should receive tax payers money to pay for extra cinema and bowling activites to cheer her up. In addition she wants shopping vouchers to allow her to buy vegetables which she claims are too expensive, and the Government should write off her loans. And why should she get shopping vouchers and £20,000 worth of debts written off? Well the shameless mother has the best excuse: "life's a struggle!". Does she watch the news on the extra large TV, no-doubt paid for by the taxpayer? Well just to give you a heads up Julie, Britain is in the middle of a recession and there are plenty of people that are finding out that 'life's a struggle'. There are no doubt millions of Britains that are out working that are having to give up nights out because 'life's a struggle' and they have to pay the bills. Doesn't the woman realise that playing fruit machines at gaming centres or bingo halls is a form of entertainment. Like all forms of entertainment you only spend money that you can afford to spend. Where gaming is causing problems to an individuals life or their families contact should be made with GAMCARE. The majority of reputable gaming operators are part of the scheme and would be able to provide help and assistance. In addition the majority of the top online bingo sites are part of the scheme and have their own rules to prevent problems. Tombola, for example, limits the amount of money you play in any session and a month. It also limits the number of tickets you can buy. While some operators will be less constraining Tombola takes the view that they do not want to be associated with problem gambling. They may sacrifice short term financial gains but the reputation to providing the best gaming experience is more important to them and no doubt the reason as to why it is one of the most trusted sites on the net. Bingo clubs have an obligation to take problem gaming seriously too. Staff are regularly trained to recognise the signs of problem gaming. Managers will have a policy to deal with members that show the signs of problem gaming and GAMCARE provide the necessary literature and advice to ensure that people with problems receive the help they need. In fact if you go to any bingo club in the UK you will have doubt seen posters, banners and leaflets around the club for the benefit of customers. Playing gaming machines in social clubs and bars provides less support. Operators are more than likely unaware of the symptoms or social obligations and will be motivated by short financial gains at the expense of thier customer. They are also not regulated in the same way that bingo halls and gaming centres are. Shameless Julie, from Pembury in Kent, had two children with two different men before marrying her husband. Both of the children live with their Dads and the mother claims she plays the slot machines because she misses her children. But not only is she one of Britains biggest scroungers she would also get the award for worst mother. She admits she hasn't even seen her youngest son since he was one; and he is SEVERN years old now. She claims "I want to see my son on my term, not my ex's or a judge's...... I want to say where and when. But I can't, so I haven't seen my baby for severn years. It's heartbreaking". In addition lazy Julie complains about having to wash her eldest son's PE kit: I pay maintenance so I don't like it whan I'm asked to wash his PE kit and buy ingredients for his school cooking classes. His Dad should sort them out". Well Julie we have an idea why don't you ask for some extra benefits to cover the cost, then you can spend more time looking after yourself. One local who knows the family commented "It's ridiculous. She is shameless." Finances are not really her strong point either having racked up £20,000 of debts in bank loans, council tax arrears and council rent. The debts, however, haven't stopped her spending £400 per month in gaming centres, which she blames on her husband, Ian, 53, who she says "encourages" her. She adds "I can't get a full-time job because I'd lose my benefits. Debt makes me stressed and I get sick a lot because I go without food to buy Ian fags, otherwise he gets crabby". Julie added "The Government doesn't care about my problems. I feel let down." Well Julie we would strongly recommend that rather than contacting your benefits office, to get more money to feed your habbit, contact GAMCARE, and if you are unable to recognise the problems then hopefully your husband will see the benefit of contacting them. About GAMCARE GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. GamCare
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