Landmark study shows 1.4m Britons have a gambling problem

Watchdog's report highlights growing dangers of slot machines and in-play betting on matches

An estimated 1.4 million adults in Great Britain have a gambling problem, according to landmark figures released days after the chancellor hinted at plans to increase taxes on the 11.5bn betting and gaming industry.

The Gambling Commission's annual survey found that 2.7% of adults scored 8 or above on the problem gambling severity index, a widely accepted measure analysing negative consequences of betting.