Fear over numbers of young problem gamblers

GAMBLING is on the rise across Britain, with almost three-quarters of adults taking part in some form in the past year, a newsurvey has found.

The report from the Gambling Commission found that 73% of theadult population gambled - up from 68% in 2007 and marking a returnto levels last seen in 1999.

The British Gambling Prevalence survey, which interviewed 7756adults over 16 in Scotland, England and Wales, also suggests anincrease in the number of problem gamblers to 0.9%, compared to 0.6%in 2007.

It also found those falling into this category were most likelyto be younger males who smoked, with parents who had alsoexperienced gambling problems.

The survey revealed 59% of adults bought National Lottery ticketsin 2010, making it the most popular gambling activity - a slightincrease from the 57% recorded in 2007 but lower than the 1999 rateof 65%.

However, the numbers who participated in some other form ofgambling from the National Lottery has risen significantly from 48%in 2007 to 56% last year.

The most popular gambling activities apart from the NationalLottery are other lotteries, scratchcards, betting on horse races,playing slot machines and private betting.

Overall, 14% of adults used the internet to gamble in the pastyear while 81% said they only gambled "in person".

Compared to "problem gambling", those gambling for leisure - butnot addictively -were more likely to be on a relatively highpersonal income, and either married or formerly married, andeducated to Standard Grade or GCSE level.

Brian Pomeroy, chairman of the Gambling Commission, said: "Thesurvey confirms there are a significant and growing number of peoplewho take part in gambling. However, it also indicates that a small,but probably growing, proportion of the population have seriousproblems with their gambling."

Professor David Miers, chairman of the Responsible GamblingStrategy Board's research panel, said: "Any rate of problem gamblingand risk of exposure is both a political and public health concern,and highlights the continuing need for targeted research, education,prevention and treatment."

The figures put Britain on a par with Germany in terms of problemgambling, but behind the levels seen in the United States, where ithas reached 3.5%, and Australia, where it is up to 2.1% in someregions.

Several Christian denominations called on the Government to takeurgent action.

Reverend Ian Galloway, convener of the church and society councilof the Church of Scotland, said: "I'm deeply troubled by the levelof problem gambling associated with gaming machines. This form ofgambling is solitary and repetitive. These high-value machines inbetting shops turn every high street into a casino."

The Methodist Church said the Government must give councils widerpowers to refuse applications to set up betting shops in communitieswhere it was judged there were sufficient numbers already.

Paul Morrison, of the Methodist Church, said: "The Governmentmust stop putting industry profit before prevention.

"Localism should mean that local councils have the power toregulate what happens in their communities."