Mark Whitehead 13 December 2016

Problem gambling costing the UK up to £1.2bn a year finds report

Local and central government must do more to cope with problem gambling, think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research has demanded.

It says the 'hidden addiction' is costing the government between £260m and £1.2bn a year, blighting the lives of families and communities and putting a strain on public finances.

The extra costs are spread across health, welfare and employment, housing, and criminal justice and include hospital inpatient stays, prison incarcerations, mental health services, and homelessness.

The Institute says between 0.4% and 1.1% of the population are problem gamblers, and around 4% are ‘at risk', with men five times more likely than women to be problem gamblers.

IPPR research fellow Craig Thorley said: 'Our research shows the scale of the challenge for Britain’s public services for the first time.

'This should be a wakeup call to government. We need a proper strategy to deal with this issue, just like we’ve had for other public health issues such as alcoholism.

'This strategy must make sure that effective services are available to help those affected, and also consider whether we have the right regulations and prevention strategies in place to stop those at risk of problem gambling from being pulled over the edge.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner