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Viewers are spending lots of money on TV gameshows
Television viewers are spending lots of money on premium rate calls for gameshows in the hope of winning prize funds, reports suggest.
One participant, Julie Ellison, 38, from Manchester, said that she spent almost £4,000 in phone bills in an 18-month period, though she failed to win a single thing.
Details of the amount people spend on such phone-lines, has raised concerns over levels of debt among consumers in the UK.
Mark Griffiths, professor of gambling studies at Nottingham Trent University, commented: "Interactive TV quiz shows share many of the dimensions of interactive television gambling, and also raise the same types of concern when talking about vulnerable and susceptible populations. There are lots of people out there who are spending lots of money."
The news comes as several television phone lines have drawn criticism for their practices.
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said that she is prepared to give regulators Ofcom and Ictis more powers if satisfactory action is not taken.
People concerned about their finances but reluctant to declare bankruptcy, may wish to take out an
IVA.
Created on 22/03/2007 16:59:05
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