The British Broadcasting Corporation reported Monday that GamCare, a charity funded by the U.K.’s gambling industry, plans to open Britain’s first gambling-addiction clinic in southwest England. The clinic will begin operating next month at the Broadway Lodge Treatment Centre in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset and will exist strictly as a charity service.
The clinic will offer four- to eight-week-long treatment for compulsive gambling to 30 individuals per year. Those admitted into the program will have the opportunity to reside at Broadway Lodge’s Weston-super-Mare facility while participating in courses aimed at curbing their negative behavior.
According to Broadway Lodge chief executive Brian Dudley, GamCare chose to collaborate with the Somerset organization because of its national accreditation and proven track record of helping those afflicted with alcohol, drug and other serious addictions.
“There are many people suffering from gambling addiction who cannot find or fund the treatment at the moment,” Dudley said. “I think it’s been proven that during a recession gambling does increase and money needs to be put aside to help those people who fall on hard times.
“This service will come at a time when it is most needed.”