Watchdog warns 1.4 million Britons addicted to gambling

An estimated 1.4 million adults in Britain are experiencing gambling-related harm, according to a major new study by the Gambling Commission.

The figure is based on the Commission’s latest survey of over 19,000 adults, which found 2.7% scored 8 or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index – a recognised threshold for harmful betting behaviours.

This marks a significant rise from previous official estimates of 0.4%.

The regulator’s chief executive, Andrew Rhodes, said the data “deepens our understanding of consequences from gambling” and urged betting firms to assess risks within their customer bases.

The survey revealed higher rates of problem gambling in poorer communities and linked the sharpest risks to high-street slot machines and in-play betting on sports events.

In-play gambling, where bets are placed during live matches, tripled the likelihood of problem gambling, according to researchers from the University of Glasgow.

The publication comes days after Chancellor Rachel Reeves suggested a rise in taxes on the £11.5bn gambling sector.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also proposed increasing levies by up to £3bn to help fund the end of the two-child benefit cap.

A spokesperson for the Betting & Gaming Council said most of the 22 million monthly UK gamblers bet safely and highlighted the industry’s voluntary £170m contribution to support and treatment services.

They also criticised the Commission’s new methodology, which replaced an older model producing lower estimates.

The Commission’s updated figures are likely to inform Treasury decisions ahead of the autumn budget, as concerns grow over gambling’s social and economic cost.