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Why are Gambling Machines Addictive?

Wendy Bendel investigates fixed-odds betting terminals. Wendy's partner killed himself after struggling with a gambling addiction.

Wendy Bendel's partner killed himself after struggling with a 20-year gambling addiction. In a confession he wrote for Wendy, he singled out the high-stakes, high-frequency fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) found in bookmakers across the UK.

Wendy embarks on a journey to find out what it is about the design of the machines that makes them so addictive and sees evidence that they can affect the brains of long-term gamblers. She discovers the billions they generate has divided the industry, with former insiders now accusing the bookies of putting profits before people.

29 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Wendy Bendel
Producer Michael Simkin
Deputy Editor Karen Wightman
Production Company Amazing Productions

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