GAMBLING reform campaigners have welcomed the “long overdue” move that betting companies will fork out £60 million to help gambling addicts, but warned gambling addiction services remain “chronically underfunded.”

The owners of William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Betfair, Skybet and Bet 365 announced today that they will increase their voluntary levy on gambling profits from 0.1 per cent to 1 per cent by 2023.

This would mean a contribution of £60 million to aid and assist problem gamblers.