Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

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.