Up to 1.4 million punters suffer from “gambling harms”, research warns today.
As well as plunging into debt, they could also experience physical and mental health problems, according to research from GambleAware.
Campaigners urged those affected to seek help from the National Gambling Treatment Service.
TV medic Dr Hilary Jones said: “Despite impacting a significant number of people, gambling harms are often poorly understood and under-reported.
“This is partially because the impact harmful gambling can have on people’s lives is incredibly varied, complex, and too often hidden.
“Being one of the estimated 1.4 million experiencing harms from gambling could mean you may be struggling with a number of consequences which go far beyond just financial debt, and could include both mental and physical health.”
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The NGTS last year helped about 8,500 people.
But GambleAware fears that for every person who gets NGTS support, nearly 160 others who could benefit do not get the help they need.
Among gamblers who did access treatment, the most common reason for seeking help was mental health concerns, cited by 31%, followed by financial reasons, highlighted by 28%.
GambleAware chief executive Zoë Osmond said: “While we’re proud to have enabled over 200,000 people over the past six years to get the help they need, we know there are many more out there who also need help.
“Our message to anyone struggling or worried about their loved ones is that you are not alone.”
Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs Parlaiment’s cross-party group on gambling-related harm, said: “These figures are yet a further demonstration of the immense harm that can be caused by gambling.
“We urgently need the Government to come forward with reforms to properly regulate gambling.
“As part of this, treatment for addiction must be funded by a statutory levy on the industry - it is only right that the industry pays for the harm it causes.”
She called for treatment to be “operated wholly-independently of the gambling industry”.
The campaign is backed by comedian John Robins, who today opens up about his gambling problem.
He said: “Gambling didn't just cost me money, it also cost me friendships and my self-esteem.
“It left me isolated and in total despair, and it almost cost me my life.
“There are many people too afraid to seek help for gambling harms, but let me reassure you - it was the best thing I did.”
The findings come from the annual GB Treatment & Support Survey of 18,038 adults carried out in November and December by YouGov.
A spokesman for trade body the Betting and Gaming Council said: “We do not recognise these figures which are not supported by the Gambling Commission’s most recent research which showed rates of problem gambling have been falling.
“According to the regulator is it 0.3% – down from 0.6% 18 months ago; that’s equivalent to a drop from 340,000 problem gamblers down to 170,000 – not 1.4m suggested by GambleAware.
“Some 22.5m adults enjoy betting and gaming each month, whether that’s playing the lottery, enjoying a game of bingo or a day at the races, playing casino games or having a bet on football and other sports.
“We strongly support the Gambling Review as a further opportunity to raise standards, but it is vitally important it strikes the right balance between protecting the vulnerable and not spoiling the enjoyment of the vast majority who enjoy a flutter safely.”
