There is evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions, with cognitive behavioural therapy usually having the best results.

Specialised addiction services, that focus mainly on substance misuse, often also treat gambling problems. They use the same techniques to treat gambling addictions that they use to treat substance misuse.

There may be as many as 450,000 problem gamblers in Great Britain. The anticipation and thrill of gambling creates a natural high that can become addictive. The internet has made gambling more accessible, allowing more and more people to do it from home. This is also thought to be one of the reasons for the increase in the number of women gamblers.

There's also a link between gambling and alcohol abuse, with many gambling addicts also being addicted to alcohol as well.

Rates of depression and attempted suicide among gambling addicts are around double the national average.

Gambling addicts are also more likely to go to prison as a result of criminal activity. This is almost entirely as a result of theft and fraud.

It is very important to seek help and support if you or somebody you know is experiencing problems due to gambling.