A survey of 8,000 adults and 2,000 children by the UK’s Health and Social Care Information Centre shows that one in six young men reported signs of problem gambling in 2012.
The study was only in England and did not take account of the other three UK countries.
One in 10 males aged between 16 and 24 admitted they would chase losses by betting more and one in 20 said they felt guilt. Five per cent were classified as of moderate risk or a problem gambler and another 10 per cent were “at risk of harm” but at a low level.
Across all ages one in 14 men and one in 50 women were identified as at risk from their gambling habits.
The study showed that 68 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women gambled at least once in 2012 with the National Lottery by far the most popular form of betting.
