The brothers who own the high street bookmaker Betfred are making millions from a business that treats public sector staff for health problems including gambling addiction, the Guardian can disclose. Its taxpayer-funded clients include multiple NHS trusts that also treat gambling addicts, as well as MPs’ employees, some of whom campaign for tighter restrictions on gambling. According to Health Assured’s website, NHS staff can access counselling for issues such as “reckless behaviour”, including excessive drinking or gambling. Ashworth said: “Addiction, whether from gambling, drinks or drugs, is a growing mental and public health emergency in society. Of course all NHS staff should have access to mental and wellbeing support, but this looks like an unacceptable conflict of interest.

Source: The Guardian January 16, 2020 11:52 UTC