'Prize draw addiction left me hungry and using tissues for tampons'
Key takeaways
- Lisa, whose real name has been withheld, said she found herself in thousands of pounds worth of debt, hungry and having to use tissues for tampons due to a lack of cash after becoming addicted to such prize draws.
- "I lay awake one night and just felt like I didn't want to continue life because of this awful secret: debts building up, nowhere to turn.
- In association with such larger competitions, many websites also offer instant-win draws, which are available to play 24/7 for as little as one pence and which allow someone to enter as many times as they like.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Steve Jones Yorkshire BBCPrize draws and competitions are a "significant and growing market", the government says Prize draws and competitions seem to be everywhere, from social media feeds to adverts on TV, but gambling support organisations have warned of their addictive potential and say they are having to help and support people who have fallen foul of the lure of luxury rewards.
Lisa, whose real name has been withheld, said she found herself in thousands of pounds worth of debt, hungry and having to use tissues for tampons due to a lack of cash after becoming addicted to such prize draws.
"I lay awake one night and just felt like I didn't want to continue life because of this awful secret: debts building up, nowhere to turn. I was so ashamed," she said.