Researchers at Deakin University in Victoria, Australia have revealed that children between the ages 8-16 see gambling as a ‘normal’ part of a sporting event, and they remember details of betting promotions even believing that you cannot lose when gambling.

I have a photograph of my boy long before he could walk. He is on the floor of my living room, propped up by pillows, a dummy stuck in his mouth, and the reflection of a giant TV screen glittering in his eyes.

There was no thought behind that decision.

It was a way of escaping the manic life of a parent.