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Problem gambling not worsened, says report

2007-09-20 15:08:53

A study into the effects of gambling has found that problem gambling has not got worse since 1999.

The report by the Gambling Commission has shown that problem gambling affects only 0.6 per cent of the adult population, a figure that has remained steady for the past eight years.

Women are less likely than men to gamble in casinos and online, with participation rates at 65 and 71 per cent respectively, according to the study.

Neil Goulden, chief executive of Gala Coral, told the Financial Times: "The majority of adults in Britain believe that individuals should have the right to choose whether to gamble or not.

"For the vast majority of the 32 million adults who gamble in the UK it is a harmless and fun leisure pursuit."

A spokesperson for the prime minister said while the report suggests problem gambling is a minority issue, he is still sceptical about a supercasino in Manchester.