According to research from MoneyExpert.com, 21 per cent of people are paying to play in this way and dicing with debt in the process.

It added that 13 per cent are using someone else’s money – possibly through personal loans, while eight per cent are emptying their accounts to gamble.

Figures from the firm show that 14.3 million people gamble once a month, risking an average stake of £21.37.

“Borrowing when there is by definition a real risk you’ll lose the money is a dangerous game to play – whether you win or lose your creditors will want their money back,” said Sean Gardner, chief executive of the company.

Meanwhile, a report in News Shopper has claimed that teenagers will learn the dangers of gambling as part of the psychology A-level.

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