Gamblers in Thurrock have collectively lost a total of almost £25million in the space of eight years, new figures have revealed.

Described as the “crack cocaine of the high street”, because of their highly addictive nature, the future of the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals are constantly in question.

Recently, accusations have been made that bookmakers target the vulnerable in regard to where they place their machines and the Government is under immense pressure to cap the amount of money that can be spent on the terminals per spin.

Figures from gambling awareness charity, Stop the FOBTs, have estimated that gamblers had lost a total of £24,615,815 in Thurrock between 2008 and 2016 and a total of £3,633,411 in 2016 alone.

A spokesman for the Association of British Bookmakers said: “The association strongly encourages all those engaging in gambling activities to gamble responsibly.

“In Thurrock bookmakers employ more than 80 highly trained staff to provide help to anyone getting into difficulties with their gambling.

“Gaming machines in betting shops have a range of responsible gambling measures that are not replicated in other venues such as amusement arcades.”

Betting shops in Thurrock contribute a total of £3million in tax. 

Meanwhile it is estimated Thurrock customers spend an average of ten minutes playing a machine - and on average stake £6 per spin.

Katie Fynes, 27, who works in Grays, was employed at a betting shop for more than two years, said they often caused problems for customers.

She said: “I was a manager and from day one it was drilled into us how important FOBT customers were because they make so much money for the company.

“Customers could lose hundreds of pounds in a matter of minutes and seeing this happen was not a rare occurrence.

“On one occasion, a man was in floods of tears while playing on one of these machines.

“When I approached him to ask if he was OK he said he had never gambled before, but since starting two days ago he had lost everything. And he said his wife had left him.

“Betting companies have systems in place to support customers in these situations.

“But it was hard not to think the damage had already been done and was ultimately a large reason why I left the company in the end.”

If you are experiencing any issues with gambling, then go online and you can visit gamcare.org.uk which offers support.