Free debt advice 'needed for gamblers'

More needs to be done in terms of offering free debt advice to problem gamblers, it has been reported.

Speaking after UK charity Gamrcare reported that debts of up to £60,000 might be common among such individuals, Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, said there is very little knowledge in this area.

She suggested that advice agencies may be able to use a simple screening test to help them identify where gambling is a cause of debt.

"This will help us with our vision: reducing the number of people with unmanageable debt," she stated.

GamCare chief executive Andy McLellan said his organisation was working with third sector agencies and the NHS to reduce gambling-related debt problems.

Beccy Boden Wilks, spokesperson for the Money Advice Trust, recently urged people in debt to prioritise their repayments, particularly making sure mortgages are serviced as early as possible.

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2009-10-16 10:14:13 © Moneyextra.com