Gambling addicts should be able to get treatment for their condition
routinely on the National Health Service, doctors said on Monday. The
British Medical Association said a relaxation of restrictions on slot
machines and casino building later this year could lead to rising numbers
suffering from gambling problems.
It noted that the liberalisation was coming at the same time as a growth in
Internet gambling. In a report on gambling addiction the BMA said there were
believed to be at least 300,000 people with gambling problems in Britain at
present. It said it was particularly concerned about adolescent gamblers and
called for a review of whether slot machine gambling — popular among
teenagers — should be banned to anyone under 18. “Problem gambling is
associated with a number of health problems and the BMA is concerned that
there are insufficient treatment facilities available,” said Vivienne
Nathanson, the BMA’s head of science and ethics. Gambling addiction can lead
to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, as well as truanting and
stealing among adolescent addicts.