CHANGES in the law on gambling are likely to double the number of addicts, according to a leading expert.

Mark Griffiths of Nottingham University — Europe’s only Professor of Gambling Studies — criticised the Government for not using the Gambling Bill, now going through Parliament, to prevent access to slot machines by adolescents.

He told the British Association Science Festival in Exeter that there were probably about 300,000 adult gambling addicts in Britain and that bigger prizes and a greater number of casinos promised after the Gambling Bill becomes law this year would probably double that.

No figures exist for gambling addiction among adolescents, but Professor Griffiths estimates that it is twice as common as it is in adults.

“I think gambling should be available only to the over-18s,” he said. “I’ve said that to Tessa Jowell (the Culture Secretary) several times but my advice hasn’t been listened to. She says people’s livelihoods are at stake. I think the Bill is good in many ways, but the Government has missed the opportunity to reduce adolescent gambling.”

The Bill, a liberalising measure, will create a “free-for-all” gambling climate, with Las Vegas-style casinos springing up in many cities and linked games creating jackpots of £1 million or more. Professor Griffiths expects the number of casinos to double to 240.

He gave warning that the ability of operators to exploit compulsive gamblers was increasing with technological change, and that the nature of gambling was shifting from a social activity to a solitary one. He added that internet gambling, slot machines, video lottery terminals, interactive television gambling and telephone wagering were all asocial activities to which compulsive gamblers were drawn. Two factors that hook gamblers are ease of access and the frequency of the game. Slot machines, which are readily accessible, can be played up to 12 times a minute and are, therefore, highly addictive. The weekly national lottery is less so.

Some games, such as slot machines, are set to suggest that the player keeps “nearly winning”, with lemons appearing just above or just below the line. Scratch cards use the same technique. For a committed gambler, a “near miss” is as addictive as a win.

The huge increase in casinos when the Bill becomes law is certain to increase the number of addicts, Professor Griffiths added. “There will be an increase in problem gambling,” he said.

It was in the interests of casinos to encourage problem gamblers because they generate such a large proportion of the turnover. “Just 7 per cent of gamblers generate two thirds of a casino’s turnover,” Professor Griffiths said.

The consequences of addictive gambling could be devastating, he added. “It leads to criminal activity, suicides, relationship breakdowns and anxiety, just like any other addiction.”

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