GambleAware urged people to “open up” after a survey suggested 67% of the public believe there is still stigma around gambling harms, and warned that anyone could be at risk – including children.

It unveiled an installation unveiled at Westfield London featuring 85,000 poker chips – one for each child aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing gambling harm.

GambleAware is calling for stricter restrictions on gambling advertising, saying the addictive nature of gambling products and advertising combined with the ubiquity of gambling advertising meant anyone could be at risk of harm.

Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide’s head of customer vulnerability, said: “While gambling can be an enjoyable activity for many, excessive or problem gambling can have negative impacts.