I think it is not only in the UK but almost in all countries, gambling is addictive and will attract many more people times to times.
Moreover in this pandemic era, probably there are many more people who are playing online gambling. As we know, online gambling is now available in many countries (although still not legalized, they cans till play sometimes). It can be accessed by many more people, with many new gamblings or games, offering interesting bonuses or jackpots and many others to attract the gamblers or even the newcomers.
Its my first time to hear up that someone get addicted when they do tried out to help someone's addiction problem.
it is like funny But it really can be if someone doesn't have strong mental or willing not to be involved in gambling. For, when he asked his friend to stop gambling and his friend told him about what he has got so far, he may be interested in that profits and start going to know about gambling. From only want to know, he is learning, and then trying to playing only "once". Then, he is attracted and play more and more because of the curiosity at first. And then, it is becoming an addiction without he is realizing.