An avid Leeds gambler has spoken about how his friends have been sectioned for the life destroying addiction.
Harehills man David Jeffers, 77, spends "about 30 per cent" of his pension on gambling and sometimes four hours a day at his local William Hill bookies shop in Roundhay Road. He gambles on horses and admits he mostly loses.
But for some of his friends down the bookies, there have been devastating consequences ultimately leading to residency in St James' Hospital, according to the former factory worker.
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David said: "They've ended up in b****y St James' because they've gone loopy. I know a couple of guys who've ended up there. It made me feel so bad. It's very very bad. They were just out of control."
David claims he has his gambling "hobby" firmly under control and his family, wife, two children and three grandchildren, have no concerns for him. But he's warned others not to bother getting involved.
"Don't start gambling, it's very bad. You can't win," he said, explaining that whatever you win eventually goes back to the bookies as you return day after day.
"I know lots of people who gamble every day and borrow, borrow, borrow all of the time. They lose their wages every week."
The most David has ever won is £8,000 but he was remiss to mention to figure he gambled away in that instance. He's said he was fortunate to have a family behind him which held him back and most of the winnings went on home improvements.
"Years ago it used to be a problem, when I got married I decided to cut down on the gambling," he said. "I was losing too much money and wages. I used to get paid cash in hand and I'd go straight to the bookies."
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