Police in England and Wales to screen suspects for signs gambling addiction is driving crime

Forces are increasingly aware that high-stakes betting is a form of addiction and a driver of crime similar to alcohol or drugs

Criminal suspects will be routinely screened for gambling addiction by a number of police forces across England and Wales because of growing concerns that high-stakes betting is fuelling crime in a similar way to drugs and alcohol.

Ten police forces are now routinely questioning suspects in custody over their gambling habits, in addition to questions over alcohol and drug abuse. The Observer has confirmed that another seven forces are drawing up plans to implement similar policies in 2023.