NHS to open first clinic for young gambling addicts

The NHS is set to open its first clinic for young gambling addicts.

NHS England said there was growing concern that online gaming sites and targeted adverts are fuelling addiction, including among children.

The new service for 13 to 25-year-olds will be based at the UK’s only dedicated gambling addiction centre, the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London.

Up to 14 more gambling addiction clinics, initially focusing on adults, are expected to open in the coming months.

These include the NHS Northern Gambling Service in Leeds this summer, followed by clinics in Manchester and Sunderland.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, condemned the "fraction" spent by industry on helping those struggling with addiction compared to the amount spent on advertising and marketing.

Mr Stevens said: "The links between problem gambling and stress, depression and mental health problems are growing and there are too many stories of lives lost and families destroyed.

"This action shows just how seriously the NHS takes the threat of gambling addiction, even in young people, but we need to be clear - tackling mental ill health caused by addiction is everyone's responsibility - especially those firms that directly contribute to the problem.

"This is an industry that splashes £1.5 billion on marketing and advertising campaigns, much of it now pumped out online and through social media, but it has been spending just a fraction of that helping customers and their families deal with the direct consequences of addiction.

"The sums just don't add up and that is why as well as voluntary action it makes sense to hold open the possibility of a mandatory levy if experience shows that's what's needed.

"A levy to fund evidence-based NHS treatment, research and education can substantially increase the money available, so that taxpayers and the NHS are not left to pick up a huge tab."

Gambling firms have recently offered to increase contributions to help problem gamblers but the Gambling Commission says a mandatory system would increase funding from about £12m to at least £70m a year.

The new NHS outpatient gambling clinics will be staffed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists and can accept referrals from around the country.

The Gambling Commission estimates there are 55,000 children and young people aged 11 to 16 with a gambling problem, of which 450,000 are gambling regularly.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I have seen first-hand the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on people's lives and I am determined to do everything I can to help anyone affected get the help and support they need.

"We know too many young people face their lives being blighted by problem gambling - so these new clinics will also look at what more can be done to help them."

Additional reporting by Press Association