Calls to gambling addiction hotline have soared by 30% over five years – with half of callers worried about their mental health

  • The National Gambling Helpline receives nearly 30,000 calls a year
  • Half of those contacting service are concerned about mental health
  • Two-thirds ringing up said gambling causing them money problems

Calls to a gambling addiction helpline have increased by more than 30 per cent in five years.

The National Gambling Helpline receives nearly 30,000 calls a year, with half of those contacting it concerned about their mental health. 

Two-thirds of people using the service said gambling was also causing them financial problems.

The National Gambling Helpline receives nearly 30,000 calls a year, with half of those contacting it concerned about their mental health

Tim Miller, executive director of the Gambling Commission, said: ‘It is important that those struggling with gambling are able to access support when they need it. 

‘But a focus on preventing harm in the first place is equally important.


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‘That’s why we will continue to take actions to require gambling companies to spot those being harmed by gambling and step in to protect them.’

The popularity of gambling online and on smartphones has helped bookmaking grow into a £14 billion-a-year industry.

The popularity of gambling online and on smartphones has helped bookmaking grow into a £14 billion-a-year industry

It is estimated there are 430,000 gambling addicts in the UK and 2 million are at risk of developing an addiction.

Researchers say between 250 and 650 young gamblers commit suicide every year. 

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