NHS boss issues warning over ‘cruel’ gambling addiction as record numbers seek help

The boss of NHS England has warned about the dangers of “touch of a button” bets after a record number of people sought help for gambling addiction in England.

Amanda Pritchard also raised concerns over children and adults being “bombarded” with gambling adverts as she announced the health service is increasing its support for people with gambling problems as a result of soaring demand.

A record 1,389 patients were referred for help last year, compared with 1,013 in the previous 12 months and 775 two years ago.

As a result, the NHS is launching seven more specialist gambling clinics to support those who are struggling.

The announcement comes two days after a coroner ruled a gambling disorder contributed to the death of a father of two.

Luke Ashton had lost thousands of pounds gambling on Betfair’s exchange before he died by suicide aged 40 on 22 April 2021, and had previously racked up debts of £18,000.

At the conclusion of a three-day inquest into his death at Leicester Coroner’s Court on Thursday, area coroner Ivan Cartwright said the betting company could have done more to help him before he took his own life.

The new NHS clinics will be set up in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield.

They will operate in addition to clinics already running in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford – as well as a national clinic in London, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people.

The NHS plans to treat up to 3,000 patients a year across the 15 clinics.

Patients with serious addiction will be helped through cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare.

Psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and peer support workers will staff the clinics, offering support to patients as well as their family members, partners and carers.

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‘Now people can gamble at the touch of a button’

“Ahead of the NHS’s 75th birthday on Wednesday, this expansion shows the NHS once again adapting to the new healthcare needs that have emerged over the last 75 years,” Ms Pritchard said.

“In 1948 when the NHS was founded, you had to go to a bookies to place a bet, but now people can gamble on their phone at the touch of a button and everyone, young and old, is bombarded with adverts encouraging them to take part.

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“Record numbers of people are coming to the NHS for help to treat their gambling addiction, a cruel disease which has the power to destroy people’s lives, with referrals up by more than a third compared to last year.

“As it has done since 1948, the NHS is responding at speed and rolling out seven new gambling harms clinics across England, so that even more people can be supported by the NHS in their time of need.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK