GAMBLING is one of the great hidden taboos of British society, a pursuit that extends far beyond the odd flutter on the Grand National and weekly trips to the bingo.

Like recognised substance abuse that can spiral out of control, gambling has the potential to destroy lives and today’s report that a staggering £180,000 is spent a day in the county gives an idea of the scale of the problem.

Gambling clearly has the potential to tear apart people and families through a toxic mix of financial ruin and deception, as gamblers attempt to hide their habit.

With the explosion of online betting, the number of people drawn into this web will only increase but at the heart of the issue is a question that divides many.

It is simply this: should gamblers have no-one else to blame but themselves? After all, they know the odds.

Some like Labour Oxford East MP Andrew Smith support stricter limits on the number of fixed-odds betting terminals while others back a £2 limit per spin instead of £100.

If people really want to gamble, though, they will – even if it takes longer and they have to travel.

Greater focus should instead be given to prevention, ensuring people are aware of the risks, and on help for those in trouble, to begin to change the behaviour that leaves them so severely out of pocket.