£10bn Gambling Habit in United Kingdom

Although the British government had pushed through their Gambling Act in 2005, they have failed to address some serious issues. The cause of more gambling woes are the terminals, the loss of betting duties, and the introduction of online betting, that have brought the biggest jump in lost money by British gamblers since the 1960's. So much in fact, that it is reported that the amount of money lost due to gambling in Britain will far exceed £10bn annually next year. This is a huge increase of 50% over the past nine years.

In a report released this month by the Gambling Commission, one in nine people who play touch-screen roulette are now addicted or problem gamblers. In fact, out of every four calls to a help line charity, one of those calls is over betting shop roulette. The reason for this, according to Anthony Jennens, the help line's chairman, is that, "They're easily accessible, rapid-play, and you win or lose rapid rewards - hallmarks of games which tend to addiction."

And although these terminals were originally viewed as "unlawful" hard gaming, which should never be permitted outside casino walls, they were legitimized by the 2005 act.

"Our machines are fully regulated now: they are licensed" stated the Association of British Bookmakers.

Whether or not something will be done to further protect problem gamblers in Britain, there is at least a charity help line, ready to assist those looking for help.