A new gambling clinic has opened in Stoke-on-Trent, as the NHS works to meet demand for specialist support for gambling addiction, with the latest figures showing that the number of people seeking help in England increased by over two-fifths in a year.

To coincide with the World Cup, new NHS figures were published last week which shows that referrals for treatment for gambling addiction were up 42% between April and September this year, with 599 patients referred, compared with 421 patients between April and September 2021.

In the Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent has high levels of gambling participation. Gambling-related harm affects people’s finances, relationships, mental and physical health, employment, and education. It often has links to criminal and anti-social behaviour as well.

The clinic is run by Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and will treat people with serious addiction issues. The clinic has the capacity to see hundreds of patients a year. The NHS Long Term Plan pledged to open 15 gambling clinics by 2023/24.

Around 138,000 people could be problem gamblers according to Gambling Commission figures. Approximately 1.3 million people are engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling – although other research estimates that this figure could be higher.

Earlier this year, the head of mental health services in England, Claire Murdoch, announced the NHS would fully fund its own gambling services, removing funding from GambleAware, a charity funded directly by gambling companies.

The decision followed feedback from patients and clinicians opposing the conflict of interest from the gambling industry, which generates profits of over £14 billion a year in the UK, funding treatment for addiction inadequately and on a voluntary basis, while continuing harmful practices.

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “Gambling addiction is a cruel mental health condition that can devastate people’s lives. The opening of the new gambling clinic here in the Midlands means we can help even more people with the most serious gambling problems.

“We are well aware that addiction not only impacts the patient, but their family and friends also, which is why our service is open to all those who are impacted by a loved one’s gambling habits so that they can also get the support they need.”

If it takes hold, gambling addiction can destroy lives. Matthew, from Stoke-on-Trent, decided to seek professional help at the new Midlands-based gambling clinic. Matthew said: “It was a long time coming. I think when you’re losing so much money, for so long, it gets to a point where you think you need to speak to someone.

“My friend went to rehab for gambling and it really helped him and he hasn’t gambled in three years, so I thought it’s time to sort myself out too. For myself and to help others as well.

“Gambling impacts me by making me feel down, and when I feel down, I then take it out on others. If I had a day trip planned the day after gambling, it would play on my mind, so I wouldn’t be the happy person I normally am. It would impact my time with my partner.

“Speaking to NHS professionals shows there is more support out there. I’ve already received lots of self-help materials to help change my behaviour and I start 1-1 therapy next week.”

Paul Evans, Operational and Development Lead at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer treatment for people in the West Midlands who are experiencing harm from their gambling.

“Anyone 18 and over can access the service via our website and we’d be happy to offer them an assessment and help them with their difficulties. If anyone is concerned about their gambling, they can take a quick quiz on our website which will inform them about next steps.”

Patients are able to self-refer via the online portal. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, the National Gambling Helpline also offers free and confidential advice.