Research reveals gambling addiction profile

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by Change | 5 Oct 2009

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A new study has created a profile of the typical person in the UK who heads for addiction treatment to combat a gambling problem.

addiction treatment for gambling in the UK is generally given to male, white-collar workers in their mid-30s, according to new research focusing on problem gamblers, it has been revealed.

A study carried out by the National Problem gambling clinic and seen by the Times has found this is the typical person who is likely to need addiction treatment for problem gambling, demonstrating an increasing trend for gambling addiction to affect the educated middle classes.

Just three per cent of the 260 patients surveyed were women, while two-thirds were employed and the study also revealed a large proportion of gambling addicts in the survey were City workers and graduates.

"It is very unusual because we are looking at a highly functioning group of individuals overall. These are people who are skilled at what they do and are respected and trusted by their employers," Henrietta Bowden-Jones, a consultant psychiatrist who set up the national clinic, told the Times.

A growing number of people are expected to need to head to rehab clinics to help tackle gambling problems as the recession hits, with many seeking to win their fortune when faced with redundancy.

In the US, gambling rehab centres have already reported a rise in the number of people seeking their services, with many turning to the addiction treatment centres after losing their jobs and becoming hooked trying to secure their future through gambling.

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