5 November 2018
close panel
Share page
Copy link
About sharing
John Hartson believes the "tools" are in location to prevent betting routines ending up being unhealthy dependencies.
Former Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has formerly discussed his betting dependency and is supporting a brand-new project by Scottish Professional Football League sponsors Ladbrokes that encourages responsible betting.
"I'm abstinent for 7 years," said the 43-year-old. "I plan to remain clear of gambling. That is my choice. It's all about a personal option. Life is everything about options.
"There is aid there. It ended up being a serious issue for me. The message is and the targets for me are to stop individuals getting to where I was because we're providing them tools and we're providing an opportunity if the gambling does leave control, there is aid, there's access - you can ban yourself from your regional bookmaker, you can take yourself off the internet if you gamble online.
"There are individuals out there, issue gamblers, and we put the indications in location that if the wagering is affecting your home life, your individual life, your health then there are locations, there are signs and there is great deals of advice.
"There are situations now and places where individuals can fix that and ended up being accountable gamblers."
Several players in Scotland have served bans for breaking betting guidelines and club officials are also restricted from positioning bets on football matches.
"I'm not here as a former addict informing individuals to stop gambling," included Hartson. "I am here to help people not to get to where I was.
"It's not for me to tell people to stop gambling. People will not listen to me. If people wish to gamble, they'll bet.
"We're not magicians. It's not a magic wand. If people wish to stop, they will look for help. If individuals don't wish to stop, then they just merely won't."
Around the BBC
BBC Sport Scottish Football
Related web links
SPFL
The BBC is not responsible for the material of external websites.