A new NHS survey has found that the rate of problem gambling in the UK has dropped.

The data said the rate for men was 0.6 per cent in 2021, down from 0.8 per cent in 2018.

What’s more, that figure dropped to 0.1 per cent for women in 2021.

Ove 3,700 people were surveyed and the data trends with that of the UK Gambling Commission, which has reported a 0.3 per cent national adult problem gambling rate.

Betting and Gaming Council chief executive, Michael Dugher, said: “This latest study by the NHS – the most comprehensive in three years – endorses our belief that the right approach is to use technology and multiple markers of harm to identify and carefully target problem play or vulnerable customers.”

He added: “While these figures are encouraging, we refuse to be complacent, and will continue to work with government and our members to deliver on the white paper and drive up standards.”