NHS opening seven new gambling addiction clinics

The NHS is to open seven new gambling addiction clinics this summer to add to the current eight already open.

Clinics in cities such as Milton Keynes, Bristol and Liverpool will join those already operating in London, Leeds and Manchester among other locations.

The NHS said it plans to treat up to 3,000 people per year across the 15 clinics, as part of the health service’s Long Term Plan commitment.

Fresh figures reveal that around 1,400 people were referred for help with gambling addiction last year, an increase of over a third on the previous 12 months.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS, said it is “adapting to the new healthcare needs that have emerged over the last 75 years,” as the NHS prepares to celebrate its milestone anniversary on Wednesday.

She pointed to the proliferation of gaming on mobile phones, which the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s recently published white paper is focusing some of its consultations on.

Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “These new clinics will bring vital support to more parts of the country, so thousands more people can get the help they need.

“We have taken firm action to tackle gambling-related harms through our white paper, which includes our commitment to introduce a statutory levy so gambling companies pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services.”

Thurrock, Derby, Blackpool and Sheffield are also set to have new gambling addiction clinics.