A new service tackling a “surge” in gambling addiction says the problem plays a role in “hundreds of deaths each year”.
The North West Gambling Service (NWGS) said the NHS was “picking up the tab” for the online betting industry, with football described as having a “major gambling problem”.
Dr Matt Gaskell, head of the NWGS, said the gambling industry had designed a “perfect storm” for addiction.
The UK industry is worth about £15bn.
NWGS provides treatment for gambling problems as well as for those with mental health conditions.
