Gambling
Health bosses call out betting industry after surge in suicidal gambling addicts
These new figures are a tragic reminder that our laws on gambling are seriously outdated. They are analogue laws in a digital age.
A surge in suicidal gambling addicts turning up to A&E is adding to the pressure on the NHS and ‘predatory’ gambling firms are to blame, doctors have warned.
Amidst a 42 per cent annual rise in demand for NHS gambling clinics, health leaders are calling on gambling companies to “think hard about the human cost behind their profits”.
New specialist gambling addiction clinics are due to open in Southampton and Stoke, adding to the five that already exist.
Matthew Gaskell, consultant psychologist and clinical lead at NHS Northern Gambling Service said:
People start gambling as soon as they wake up in the morning; they’re gambling in the shower, gambling while they’re driving to work. The NHS is picking up the tab.
Around 2.2 million people are addicted to gambling or at risk of becoming addicted.
Most people being seen at NHS gambling clinics are young men, in football shirts, in their 30s.
Gambling today takes place on smartphones which give consumers 24/7 access to online casinos and slot machines.
Adverts pour fuel on the problem by encouraging ‘in play betting’ where punters can bet constantly during a football match.
The UK Government promised reform to gambling laws, but these were delayed for a fourth time this summer.
Commenting, CARE’s Director of Communications and Engagement, James Mildred, said:
With the World Cup on, you’re going to see more people betting and all the while, gambling companies rake in the profits. The Government must get on an introduce robust, far-reaching reforms that treat gambling addiction as a public health issue.
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