Gamblers urged to take part in 'Flutter-Free' February

Those who gamble in Wales are being encouraged to pledge to stop gambling in February to raise awareness of the emotional and financial problems it can cause.

Flutter-Free February is a new campaign by 'Beat the Odds' which encourages those who gamble online or at the bookies to stop for the next month.

Pledges are also encouraged to send a thumbs-up selfie to show support for the campaign and raise awareness.

Those who pledge are invited to send a selfie using the hashtag 'flutterfreefeb' Credit: Living Room Cardiff

Figures show millions of pounds are gambled each year in the UK on various forms of gambling, but by far the most common type is on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

In Wales alone there are more than 1450 Fixed Odds machines, with £51 million lost to them each year.

The UK Government recently announced that Wales will now have responsibility for all new Fixed Odds machines, while those terminals already in operation will remain the responsibility of the UK Government.

More than £51m is lost to betting machines in Wales each year Credit: PA

Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive of Living Room Cardiff said, 'There are an estimated 114,000 at risk and problematic gamblers in Wales with as many as 12,000 considered having a gambling disorder.'