IT WAS good to see Hugh Bayley pushing for a ban on the highly addictive fixed betting terminals. He describes such machines as the “crack cocaine of gambling” (The Press, January 8).

There is even a more serious form of gambling. Internet gambling is here, the television adverts are full of the sites where you can have a little fun.

This may lead to gambling more than you intended. It’s available every minute you are at home. You don’t have to go to the bookmakers.

So for many the spiral downwards begins, emptying bank accounts, borrowing money sometimes from pay-day loan companies, stealing from friends, relatives or work, while gambling on computers at home, work or on a mobile phone. It’s inviting, with money given for free to get you started.

The devastating consequences of becoming addicted to gambling are never shown on the slick adverts, the broken relationships, the loss of homes, and the impact on businesses.

Perhaps the effects of internet gambling should be the next thing Mr Bayley should be taking up in Parliament and work towards getting it banned.

Chris Mangham, Lindsey Avenue, Acomb, York.