The secret signs of a gambling addiction — and how to approach a loved one about it

Gambling has become an increasingly widespread issue

People with problematic gambling are often quite secretive and harbour a lot of guilt and shame. They might appear moody, irritable or unpredictable in their moods. Picture: Alamy/PA

The number of people seeking help for gambling problems reached record levels in 2023 - with more people calling a national helpline than ever before.

Britain's National Gambling Helpline says that 52,370 people called asking for counselling, support and further information last year — a 24% increase on the year before, when there were around 42,000.