More NHS gambling clinics for UK

NHS England is nearly doubling the number of gambling addiction clinics “after referrals hit a record high.”

There are eight clinics in operation now, according to a BBC report, and the NHS is adding seven more. In total 1,389 patients were referred for support in 2022/23 – a rise from 775 two years ago.

It has given political opponents to the gambling industry an opportunity to place pressure on ministers.

The article also highlighted a recent suicide verdict on a gambling addict in which the coroner criticised operator Betfair for not having done enough to help. Betfair, the BBC reported, said it had met all the regulatory standards which were in place at the time, but conceded in hindsight that it should have done more.

With 15 clinics open, the NHS will be able to help up to 3,000 patients each year. The new sites are in Blackpool, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Thurrock.