A Weymouth man has taken part in launching a campaign to get people to take the day off online gambling on Christmas Day.
Alex Macey is one of the founders of NOBET364, an initiative from previous sufferers of gambling disorders. The campaign asks that all gamblers, both those with gambling disorders and those without, not take part in the activity on Christmas Day.
The campaign invites non-disordered gamblers to take part in the day's abstention to show solidarity with those struggling with disorders.
Mr Macey explained to the Echo that it only began two weeks ago with no particular plan beyond promoting it on Twitter. In that space of time, the campaign has achieved nearly 200 followers.
He said: "I am extremely pleased with the interest and support that has been shown to the campaign. It’s gathered real momentum and interest from as far afield as Holland. I am looking forward to engaging with gambling bosses in the near future to assess whether this project will be embraced by them and offer sufferers of disordered gambling a chance to have a peaceful Christmas Day."
The campaign highlights that Christmas Day can be a lonely time for people with gambling disorders.
It also points out that high street stores, including the bookies, would be closed on the day.
On its website, the group say: "Some of our group have first-hand experiences of having some very isolated and dark times on Christmas Day itself.
"Due to relationship breakdowns, which were caused by the destructive nature of disordered gambling in the first place, we found ourselves alone, depressed, empty and the only comfort we thought we could find was to gamble within the online casinos which ultimately led to compounding the feelings of loneliness."
On its website, the campaign offers advice to people struggling with gambling disorders, offering messages such as 'it's not your fault', 'be kind to yourself' and 'the guilt and shame will ease.'
It also offers facts about gambling disorders, including a list of symptoms.
People can follow the campaign on Twitter @nobet364. For more information, visit the campaign's website at nobet364.co.uk
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