The stupid and indefensible habit of gambling is engaging considerable interest at the moment, I note from a letter published in the British Medical Journal for November 18. It is suspected that increasing opportunities to gamble in various ways will lead to its expansion and the appearance of more problem gamblers who will seek help. Since data are lacking on the prevalence of gambling behaviour in Britain prior to the advent of the National Lottery, it is not possible to assess the increase since then. But the recent survey by the National Centre for Social Research of some 7,000 British citizens has found that 72 per cent of the population gambles at least once every year, with 65 per cent participating in the lottery. Nearly 1 per cent of the population, representing a third of a million individuals, can be classed as problem gamblers.
It is anticipated that the lottery will increase the relative number of women gamblers, and therefore the proportion of female problem gamblers. In the past, men have been more likely than women to play the fruit machines or indulge in private betting, horse racing and football pools. Twice as many women as men gamble in bingo halls. Overall, however, men have featured more often as problem gamblers. Internet gambling, at present indulged in by only 1 per cent in Britain, promises to expand dramatically in the next few years. It is important to ensure that programmes for prevention and treatment of the serious gambling habit are adequate to minimise the probable harm that will follow if precautions are neglected.