An increasing number of people are turning to gambling as they try to find a way to make some quick money.

A charity which runs a support helpline for gamblers has seen a surge in calls from Maidstone in recent months.

It has prompted Sussex Breakeven, part of the charity GamCare, to launch a free counselling service in the County Town, which they believe is the first of its kind in the county.

They believe the problem has been exacerbated by the credit crunch, as people look for a quick fix to financial hardship.

The counselling service has been welcomed by other addiction charities in the area, including Yalding-based drug and alcohol charity, Kenward Trust.

Executive manager Tony Williams said: “The current financial crisis is only going to make gambling worse.

“People end up going without food to have a flutter on the lottery.”

His sentiment was echoed by Ian Semel, director of Sussex Breakeven.

He said: “Numbers are always on the increase particularly at the moment.

“We have had around 50 calls to our GamCare helpline from the Maidstone area in the past few months and a couple of hundred from the Kent area.

“We see people who will risk life, limb and home for this addiction.”

Many charities said they did not know where to refer people in the area, other than to Gamblers Anonymous.

Mr Williams said: “I’m very often asked about it, so there must be a demand there.

“Like all charities we are always struggling to meet demand.

“Another organisation in the area is always a good thing.”

Angela Clay, a trustee of Maidstone Christian Care which runs a day centre for homeless people, said: “We know of people in financial difficulty not because of big time gambling but because of slot machines.

“I’m aware of someone who was being evicted this week because of rent arrears and gambling was one of the problems.

“Gambling is acceptable to an extent but as soon as people get into difficulties, society just turns round and says ‘well you’ve been stupid’.

“I’m really pleased about the service. It needs to be well publicised so people know it’s available.”

The counselling service will be by appointment at sussexbreakeven.org.uk or 01273 833722, and people will be seen at Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, from Monday.