Gambling harm

For some people gambling can become extremely harmful and lead to:

• depression or attempt suicide - People living with gambling addiction are around twice as likely than people that don’t
• financial difficulties – running up debts and not having enough money for essentials
• relationship problems and conflict at home
• health problems, both mental and physical
• poor performance at work
• criminal activity, particularly theft or fraud to fund gambling

Gambling can also harm those close to the person living with a gambling addiction including family, friends, and colleagues.

Whether you are living with a gambling addiction or are feeling the effect of someone living with a gambling addiction you are not alone. An estimated 1 in 15 people within Greater Manchester are directly or indirectly harmed by gambling.

How gambling harm happens

It’s important to understand that gambling harm happens to people. It is not their fault. It is caused by harmful, addictive products that are marketed in a way that makes people think gambling is a safe, social, and low risk normal activity.

The gambling industry produces these addictive products and uses manipulative marketing strategies. Gambling adverts are everywhere, seen by millions of people every day, and often include free bets or free prize wins.

 Such adverts are used to get people to start gambling or to start gambling on more harmful products.

The gambling industry also use direct marketing sent through text messages, apps, or emails. Those experiencing harm from gambling are nine times more likely to be offered incentives to gamble, such as free bets, free spins, or an opportunity to win back lost money. 

On average they receive an incentive to gamble every day.

Spotting the signs of harmful gambling

Access to the right help and support at an early stage is crucial. Recognising the warning signs can help identify when it might be time to get help. Common signs of harmful gambling include the person:

• gambling more than they plan to
• not being able to stop gambling or thinking about gambling, despite wanting to
• constantly needing to check devices
• concealing the amount of money and time spent gambling for example, hiding betting slips, lottery tickets or money for gambling
• borrowing money and not repaying it
• stealing money to use for gambling
• experiencing problems within the workplace for example, absences, lack of concentration, not completing tasks
• harming or losing a significant relationship because of gambling
• not sleeping and feeling constantly restless
• feeling guilty about the way they gamble
• feeling anxious
• feeling depressed
• feeling suicidal or thinking about being absent from the world

If you think any of these things are happening to you or someone close to you it may be time to get help and support.