Gamblers go to A&E for support

ONLINE gambling is causing a surge in suicidal young men turning to A&E for help.

A 42 per cent rise in demand for NHS gambling clinics has resulted in the health service opening another two facilities in England.

Matt Gaskell, a consultant psychologist for the NHS Northern Gambling Service, said the clinics are full of “young men in football shirts” who have fallen foul of “predatory tactics” by betting firms.

He said: “People start gambling as soon as they wake. The NHS is picking up the tab.”

It is estimated around 0.5 per cent of the adult population are likely to have a form of gambling addiction.