Gambling figures back to pre-pandemic levels
GambleAware has launched a new campaign to highlight the support available
The easing of Covid-19 restrictions has seen gambling figures return to pre-pandemic levels in the UK.
That's according to new figures from national charity GambleAware, which has launched a new campaign to tackle the rise.
The campaign aims to promote the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), which works in partnership with the NHS and local gambling charities to offer free support to anyone struggling.
Ian Semel is CEO of the charity Breakeven based in Sussex.
He said: "The irrational thought pattern for many gamblers is that it's a good way of getting money. In reality, it's a good way of getting into debt. With all the struggles that people are having financially, sadly they believe gambling is a way out.
"If you go to your GP tomorrow and you present with some mental health problems, depression etc then you'll probably be asked 'do you take drugs?' 'do you drink too much?'. Not enough questions are asked around gambling related harm.
"This country has normalised gambling. How many places abroad would people see casinos in so many different towns? So gambling is a major problem here, it's a massive problem and the numbers are showing that."
1 person every hour currently contacts the NGTS for support.