The number of gambling addicts who end up in hospital has shot up by more than a quarter in just one year.
New figures show that 335 people were treated for gambling-related problems at English NHS hospitals last year, up 27 per cent. Most were in their 30s but there were some aged 10 to 19.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says gambling addicts are likely to suffer low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, drug problems and poor sleep.
Some have severe mental health issues linked to spiralling debts and relationship breakdowns.
A Gambling Commission study last month found a worrying link between problem gambling and suicide, with five per cent saying they had tried to kill themselves.
It follows a big rise in gambling since advertising curbs were relaxed in 2007.
Punters lost a record £14.5billion in 2018, almost twice as much as a decade ago.
The biggest rise is in online gambling where there are no legal stake limits, so punters can lose thousands in minutes
Charity GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline, said: “It is important that people seek help as early as possible.”
Meanwhile, the NHS is rolling out specialist face-to-face treatment for gambling addiction across the country, with plans for 14 clinics in cities including Leeds, Manchester and Sunderland.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: “There are too many stories of lives lost and families destroyed.
“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.”
