Landmark study shows 1.4m Britons have a gambling problem

Watchdog’s report highlights growing dangers of slot machines and in-play betting on matches

An estimated 1.4 million adults in Great Britain have a gambling problem, according to landmark figures released days after the chancellor hinted at increasing taxes on the £11.5bn industry.

The Gambling Commission’s annual survey found that 2.7% of adults scored 8 or above on the problem gambling severity index, a widely accepted measure analysing negative consequences of betting.