Alexis Conran on Problem Gambling

Alexis Conran, host of The Real Hustle, is presenting a new BBC Documentary called Gambling, Addiction and Me. The documentary will delve into the issue of problem gambling in the UK, speaking with problem gamblers to get their perspectives on the issue.

In a clip of the upcoming documentary, Conran speaks with a young problem gambler. He has spent his life savings on gambling machines, and pushed away all of his loved ones due to his addiction. He claims that he feels a sense of isolation and that gaming machines are his only companions. He also states that he is more attracted to the thrill of the game than to winning.

Conran expands on this notion by taking part in an experiment with brain waves. In it, his brain waves are measured against those of a problem gamblers as they play casino games. The study showed that he gets more excited over wins while the gambling addict gets more excited over near-misses.

The BBC documentary does not condemn gamblers, but it does highlight the need for increased education on the issue of gambling addiction.