TONY MAYES RANT – FROM BETS TO BLACKOUTS

Tony Mayes laments the rising tide of energy debt in Britain, which has swelled to £5.5 billion to £6 billion, with predictions of reaching £7 billion. Two million households now bear the burden, with the average debt exceeding £2,200. The additional £50 yearly charge to cover these debts further burdens households. The root cause, Mayes argues, lies in Britain's gambling obsession.

Shockingly, 38.5% of people play bingo in person, 36.5% gamble online, and 25% do both. The total amount lost to bingo alone is £17.5 billion, with an average loss of £41.34 per month per individual gambler, and £745 for hardcore gamblers. With gambling ads on TV and companies sponsoring shows, and charities promoting their lotteries on air, the situation is dire.

The government's lack of intervention is called into question, as up to 496 suicides annually in England can be directly linked to gambling addictions. Mayes urges for a ban on all gambling advertisements and the elimination of vape shops, where millions squander their money. He highlights Spain's gambling problem, particularly among teenagers, where over 20% of 14-19 year-olds have gambled for money, with disorder rates rising among younger generations.

Spain's government reports show a sharp increase in online betting among teens, with over 34% of the online market being young adults. Spain faces a housing crisis as well, with the recent parliamentary failure to address the acute housing crisis leading to a call for general elections. Meanwhile, Spain's parliament voted against the EU's 'Return Regulations,' which aim to accelerate the expulsion of non-EU citizens, causing concern for the potential halt of traditions and the worsening of the housing crisis.