How much are you aware of the possibility of addiction to gambling. It is common knowledge that cigarettes, particularly nicotine, are addictive but what about other addictions?

Gambling disorder is classified separately as a disorder of addictive behaviour, as opposed to an addiction to substances such as alcohol. It is considered a “Gaming disorder.” It causes distress or interference with personal functions that develop as a result of repetitive rewarding behaviours.

In gambling disorder, there is impaired control over gambling, increasing priority given to gambling and, continuation of gambling despite negative consequences.

Luke Ashton completed suicide in April 2021. The coroner, Ivan Cartwright, concluded that gambling disorder was the cause of Mr Ashton’s death. However, he was critical of Betfair, as the gambling company did not make any meaningful effort to engage Mr Ashton, even though it was clear he was gambling frequently and in secret. Mr Cartwright is so concerned about the lack of engagement and help to Mr Ashton, he said he will prepare a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, with recommendations based on Mr Ashton’s death.

There are figures that estimate 0.5% of the population are addicted to gambling. This may start early in childhood, playing online games, the unpredictable rewards firing the young brain.

Universities are worried about students gambling, the majority of first year students have gambled. This is an activity that is often solitary, so peers may not be aware. The financial implications will not be obvious to peers. Initially the physical and mental ill effects may not be apparent.

The governments white paper, “High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age” was published in April 2023 but when will it become law? It covers

• online gambling.
• marketing and advertising.
• the Gambling Commission’s powers and resources.
• dispute resolution and consumer redress.
• children and young adults.
• land-based gambling.

I am disappointed that there is not more effort in reducing or ideally completely banning gambling advertising.

Today the NHS has released an increase in gambling treatment centres this summer, 2023. Last year 1,400 people were referred to these specialist services, this was a third more than the previous year and almost four fifths more than two years ago.

Eight gambling harms clinics already exist in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford. There is the national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.

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

In this online age, where children can use their tablets and phones to gamble, what is the best thing to do? We discourage them from smoking cigarettes, time to educate them and those who care for them about the harm of gambling.