More than 600 people in North East Lincolnshire have 'out-of-control' gambling habits

More than 600 people in North East Lincolnshire are thought to have out-of-control gambling habits that are affecting their lives.

The latest study has highlighted how many people have been sucked into online gambling or bookmakers, with young people increasingly drawn into it.

'Problem gamblers' are defined as people who are hurt personally and financially by their compulsive gambling and may lose control.

There are estimated to be 642 in the borough, according to a report prepared for North East Lincolnshire Council's Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel.

Another 1000 people have less severe problems as a result of their gambling.

The number of physical betting shops in the area has fallen by a quarter in the last five years.

However, fixed-odds betting machines - sometimes known as the "crack cocaine of gambling" - still make up a big chunk of all activity.

The council report said the the density of gambling premises in North East Lincolnshire is greatest in the most deprived wards, suggesting a local link between gambling accessibility and deprivation.

It also added that gambling is as accessible to young people as it ever has been.

Support for people struggling with gambling is available through Gamblers Anonymous Grimsby, the We Are With You Young Persons' Service, BreakEven, among other services.