GLASGOW has the highest rate of gambling harm in Scotland, according to research by a leading advice charity.

GambleAware produced the analysis which revealed fewer people in Scotland were accessing help and treatment for gambling addiction.

It estimates that 3.5% of people in Glasgow have an at-risk problem gambling habit – higher than the UK average.

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Within the city, Glasgow Central constituency had the highest rate, with 4.9% estimated to be in the highest category of problem gambling.

The harms identified in the UK-wide survey included losing money or having mental or physical health negatively affected.

It found in Scotland 17% of people with any level of gambling harm identified were accessing support services compared to 21% across the UK.

GambleAware also found that 60.5% of people in Scotland had participated in any form of gambling in 2022 – slightly higher than the British average of 60.3%. This is equivalent to more than 2.7 million adults.

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Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said: “Gambling harms can affect anyone, and we are concerned to see that fewer people are accessing treatment and support in Scotland. 

“As the leading gambling harms charity in Great Britain, we’ve published these maps and data to provide information to help address treatment and support needs in local communities.

“Some people may not have reached out for help because they are unsure of where to find it, but anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can search GambleAware for free, confidential advice, tools and support.

“We also commission the National Gambling Support Network, which means those experiencing gambling harm can access specialist, tailored treatment and support, quickly and efficiently, wherever they are across Great Britain.”

The five local areas in Scotland with the highest estimated rates of gambling problems are Glasgow City, Dundee City, North Lanarkshire, Aberdeen City and the City of Edinburgh.

The study found 60.5% of people in Scotland had participated in any form of gambling last year – similar but very slightly higher than the British average of 60.3%.

GambleAware said this is around 2.7 million adults taking part in some form of gambling.

The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.