Millions of adults ‘problem gamblers’

More than two million people in the UK are classed as problem or at-risk gamblers, according to new research.

Data compiled by the Gambling Commission – the body that regulates and licences the gambling industry in the UK – found that 63 per cent of British adults had gambled in the past year. The report found that 1.4 per cent of gamblers, 400,000 people were classed as problem gamblers – or 0.8 per cent of the population.

A further 6.4 per cent of gamblers are deemed at-risk, 3.9 per cent of the population.