THE popularity of gambling websites among students has alarmed debt advisers, who are reporting an increase in the number of undergraduates who have racked up huge gambling debts.

The revolution in online gaming has given websites such as Betfair and Partygaming a cult following and created a surge of interest among students, who are often able to spend hours each day online.

Sports-mad students can place bets around the clock on events across the globe. Gambling websites say that those studying statistics can make intelligent bets on sporting events and earn a tidy profit.

However, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), a debt charity funded by the banks, has given warning that gaming websites are a particular threat to the “solitary student”. CCCS debt advisers counsel between 2,000 and 3,000 people a year with internet gambling debts. One addict was mired in £25,000 of debt.

Malcolm Hurlston, the chairman of the CCCS, says: “Online gaming can feed into the lifestyle of the isolated student. The freedom of being able to gamble online is, in many respects, an aspect of the freedom of students who might be leaving home for the first time.

“Quite often, debt is associated with people who are isolated and not able to tell friends or partners about their problem.”

The National Union of Students (NUS) has highlighted fears that increasing debt could tempt students to try to use internet gambling to supplement their income. Veronica King, the vice-president of welfare at the NUS, says: “It is easy to see why some individuals may be tempted into what could be seen as an easy loan top-up. But gambling is a very dangerous way to supplement income and could result in great financial loss. We would urge anyone who may be in financial problems to seek appropriate help and support.”

Cantor Spreadfair, which enables gamblers to take bets against each other on sporting events, does not advocate gambling among students but says that a small minority with a flair for statistics can make money on betting exchanges.

A Cantor Spreadfair spokesman says: “There is the potential for highly numerate students to take advantage of their knowledge and make money off City traders who may be just following their gut instinct and a tip they heard down the pub.”

JOE MORGAN