Online bingo has become a very popular activity as well as a thriving and growing business. In addition, new research has indicated that thousands of people may have an online bingo gambling addiction. This addiction is the cause of depression, debt and divorce for many people. A prime example of online bingo addiction is Luccienne Mainey, a 41 year-old mother who stole money from her employer to feed her online bingo addiction. Mainey has recently been sentenced to 16 months in jail for her crime.
The Results of an Online Bingo Addiction
Luccienne Mainey seemed surprised when she was sentenced to 16 months in jail for stealing from her employer. Mainey stole over £76,000 to pay for her online bingo addiction. During her trial, Mainey told the court that her online bingo addiction began after her divorce. Her addiction only became stronger when she sank deeper and deeper into debt in order to feed her addiction. Finally, her debt became so great that she had to steal money so she could continue to play online bingo. Mainey worked as an account administer at ADP in Suffolk and was thought to be a trusted and valuable member of the staff. The owners and other employees at APD were in shock when they heard the news that Mainey stole money from the company. Everyone who worked with Mainey had a hard time believing that someone who they considered to be a friend could betray the company in such a way.
Dealing with Online Bingo Addiction
Mainey confessed to 5 counts of fraud by false representation and requested that 25 other counts be added to her charges. That judge stated that she was guilty of a gross breach of trust and stated that this must be a lesson to others who may give into the temptation of stealing from others to feed an addiction. Gambling addiction expert, Claire Hegarty, says that online bingo has created more gambling addicts but that these people can overcome their addictions. Hegarty works with many people around the United Kingdom and offers advice to gambling addicts over the phone at no charge.