Teenage gambling is on the increase, with Cumbrian children as young as 14 seeking help.

The problem is driven by a rise in online gambling.

A new report by the Gambling Commission reveals an increase in 11 to 16-year-olds gambling.

The report says that 14 per cent of those in this age group have used their own money for gambling.

This is up from 12 per cent in 2017.

Richard Mottram of Cumbria Counselling Group told the News and Star: “It’s very common for somebody with a problem to report that they started when they were 14 or 16.

“I think as there has been a massive increase in online gambling, children see their older siblings or parents doing it.

“I think we can assume that online will be a big part of it.”

Through their daily lives children are exposed to gambling advertising in almost every area, from social media to TV and even sports teams sponsored by gambling companies.

The study shows that youngsters are more likely to gamble than smoke, with only four per cent of those questioned admitting to smoking in the previous week.

The Gambling Commission is the government body which regulates commercial gambling in the UK.

Executive director Tim Miller said: “Protecting children from the harms that can come from gambling remains one of our highest priorities.

“In the areas where we have regulatory control, we continue to strengthen the protections in place to prevent underage gambling, such as our recent proposals for enhanced age verification checks for online gambling.”

Richard Mottram said: “There is a need for more education about the problem with gambling.

“We all know about the problems with drugs and alcohol but gambling sometimes get left out.

“I think it would be great if schools would incorporate some education about gambling when they’re talking about drugs and alcohol because it can be just as destructive.”

Finding information for schools can be as straightforward as downloading a pack via the GamCare or BigDeal websites, where help and guidance can be found.

Richard added: “I think there is no one approach about this. I think the more guns that are facing the same direction the better.

“So I think it’s schools, it’s social media, just generally in the community and parents being more aware of the problems and more aware of the signs that their children might be gambling.

“There are education packs available with information aimed at young people. There have been programmes in other parts of the country where there have been project to promote education about gambling.

“I think it is genuinely about raising awareness and this report has done that.

“What we do know is that Cumbria reflects the pattern in the whole country, and there are bound to be teenagers that are gambling and getting into trouble with it.

“We help about 200 people a year in Cumbria and north Lancashire with gambling problems but it’s rare for us to see a teenager. They generally don’t come forward.”

Does he think the Gambling Commission report means we should worry for the future?

“I think it’s inevitable that there is more gambling going on because there is more gambling advertising going on.

“And gambling is a lot easier in a way than in the old days because you can do it online. So I think it’s inevitable that there is going to be more gambling done by more people.”

Tim Miller said: “Regulation alone cannot address all the risks that young people may face from gambling.

“Our latest research shows that the most common forms of gambling by children do not happen in gambling premises.

“Some of these are legal, such as bets between friends. Some are unlawful, such as gambling on machines in pubs. But all of them present risks to young people as there is no form of gambling that is risk-free.

“It is therefore vital that all those with a part to play in protecting children and young people - parents, businesses and regulators - work together.”

For help with problem gambling visit www.gamcare.org.uk or www.bigdeal.org.uk