Gambling companies would be hit with a new Government levy, with the proceeds diverted to the NHS, under plans being considered by Ministers.
The Mail on Sunday has learned that a new gambling white paper is likely to include proposals for a compulsory contribution to treatment programmes for gambling addicts.
It has emerged just days after betting giant William Hill was fined a record £19.2 million by the industry watchdog for failing to protect its customers from accruing unpayable debts.
Currently, all operators with a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence must make an annual contribution ‘to one or more organisation(s) which deliver research, harm prevention and treatment for those harmed by gambling’.