NHS is rapidly expanding the opening of gambling addiction centres across the country this summer
NHS rapidly expanding opening of gambling addiction centers across the country this summer after demand hits record high
- Figures published today show that 1,400 patients were referred for help last year
- The NHS plans to treat up to 3,000 patients a year in a total of 15 clinics
Gambling addiction centers will open across the country this summer as demand hits an all-time high.
The NHS is rapidly expanding its support services for thousands of people seriously addicted to gambling.
Figures published today show that 1,400 patients were referred for help last year. This is more than a third more than in the previous 12 months and an increase of almost 80 percent compared to two years ago.
The seven new clinics will be in Milton Keynes, Thurrock in Essex, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield.
They will join centers in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford, Shropshire. Another London clinic treats gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people.
Gambling addiction centers will open across the country this summer as demand hits an all-time high. (file image)
Figures from the Gambling Commission show that around 138,000 people may be problem gamblers, with 1.3 million more classified as moderate or low risk gamblers. The NHS plans to treat up to 3,000 patients a year at its 15 clinics.
The CEO, Amanda Pritchard, said: ‘This expansion shows that the NHS is once again adapting to new healthcare needs.
‘In 1948, when the NHS was founded, you had to go to a bookmaker to place a bet. Now people can place a bet on their phone at the touch of a button and everyone, young and old, is bombarded with advertising messages to participate.’
In the newest clinics, people with serious addiction problems are treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare. NHS teams, including psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and fellow support staff, also provide support to family members.
Claire Murdoch, NHS director of mental health, added: ‘I hope further action is taken to prevent young people from being bombarded with gambling adverts while watching sport.’
NHS chief Amanda Pritchard (pictured) said the ‘expansion shows the NHS is re-adapting to new healthcare needs’
Last week, Leicester coroner Ivan Cartwright criticized bookmaker Betfair for failing to intervene before problem gambler Luke Ashton, 40, committed suicide after gambling more than 100 times a day.
His widow, Annie, said Cartwright’s criticisms confirmed her belief that “gambling destroys families and causes suicides.”
Ian Brown, CEO of Flutter, Betfair’s parent company, said: ‘We would like to express our sincere condolences to Ms Ashton and her family. We are truly sorry for their loss.’