NHS in England to Double Number of Gambling Addiction Clinics Due to Soaring Referrals

The NHS in England is nearly doubling the number of gambling addiction clinics due to a sharp rise in referrals, which hit a record high of 1,389 patients in 2022/23, compared to 775 two years previously.

The NHS hopes to treat 3,000 patients per year with the new facilities, using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

The announcement comes after a coroner's verdict that one betting firm could have done more to help a gambler who took his own life after amassing huge debts.

The government plans to introduce a statutory levy so gambling companies pay their "fair share" towards treatment services, and to introduce a stake limit of £2 on online slot machines for young gamblers, but critics say there is not enough action on adverts.