The UK's National Health Service is opening up its first clinic to cater for young gambling addicts, with the National Problem Gambling Clinic aiming to offer support for those aged between 13 and 25.
The move forms part of an overall expansion of support for gambling addiction, with the NHS’s long-term plan for 14 clinics to open across England. The UK’s Gambling Commission described as “essential” the need to provide easy access to support and treatment.
The first new clinic for young people is set to open in Leeds this summer, followed by Manchester and Sunderland.
Mike Kenwood, director of development at GamCare, told the BBC more work is needed in education.
"In school you would have been more likely to receive education and awareness sessions around things like drugs and alcohol, safe sex, healthy eating in PSHE [Personal, Social, Health and Economic education] lessons,” he said.
"There is a broader agenda which address all those things, but gambling is missing from it."
