Researchers seek participants for study into problem gambling

Gambling addicts may be putting themselves and their families at risk despite not even realising they have a problem, academics have suggested. The claim from Plymouth University’s Drug and Alcohol Research Unit (DARU) comes as a new study is launched looking into people’s gambling habits, and examining the ways people can reduce the potential for harm to both themselves and those around them. DARU’s director, Professor Ross Coomber, said the research could also reveal the full scale of the problem in Plymouth and make it easier for agencies to target support and advice where it was most needed. “With its diverse population, it stands to reason that a city like Plymouth has its share of problem gamblers,” Professor Coomber said. “Many of them may feel they have their gambling under control, but the fact remains they are addicted, and it could lead to potential problems at home or in other areas of their lives. There is a lot of support already available for people with drug or alcohol addictions, but gambling is one area that still needs to be addressed. The past decade has seen huge changes to the nature of gambling, with the appearance of casinos in towns and cities, the increased presence of lotteries and scratchcards, and the advent of online gambling.