Problem gamblers – no one knows how many exist or cost to the state

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson derides admission and says his party will ‘ask the questions the government is failing to ask’

The government has no idea how many problem gamblers are being treated by the NHS or how much their addiction is costing, prompting concern from leading charities that people in need of help are slipping through the net.

The Department of Health also conceded, in response to questions from the Labour deputy leader, Tom Watson, that the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, and the culture secretary, Karen Bradley, had never discussed the issue.

Related: Gambling addiction is Labour’s mess – Tom Watson is right to try to fix it | Jim Orford

Related: To my wife and family, I apologise: how I lost £130,000 spread betting

Continue reading... December 05, 2017 at 11:30AM