Bereaved Mum Backs Require Gambling Regulation

A mom from Kent whose son took his own life after becoming addicted to betting is backing calls by MPs to treat gaming as a public health danger in a similar method to drinking and smoking cigarettes.


Lesley Wade, from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, lost her son Aaron Armstrong, whom she refers to as "household orientated", "fun" and a "dazzling sportsman," in 2014.


She stated it had actually taken her several years to the nature of dependency which "the onus wasn't all on him" to stop betting.


The Betting and Gaming Council said the "overwhelming bulk" of people who gamble do so "securely and responsibly."


4 February 2026


Minster (Isle of Sheppey)


Addiction