The NHS in England is grappling with an “uphill battle” as demand for gambling addiction services soars, with referrals more than doubling in the past year.
New figures reveal that nearly 2,000 people were referred to specialist gambling clinics between April and September this year, a staggering increase of 130% compared to just over 800 during the same period last year.
In response to the growing crisis, the NHS has significantly expanded its services, doubling the number of problem gambling clinics in England. There are now 15 specialist clinics operating nationwide, offering support from mental health practitioners, psychiatrists, and peer support teams.
These clinics provide vital help for those struggling with gambling addiction, as well as support for their families, partners, and carers. The services aim to address the devastating impact of gambling addiction, a condition affecting hundreds of thousands across the country.
Christmas: A ‘Perfect Storm’ for Gambling Harms
The festive season is proving a major concern for experts, with 20 Premier League fixtures scheduled for Boxing Day and winter horse racing events expected to attract high levels of betting. Dr Matt Gaskell, head of the NHS Northern Gambling Service, has warned that the combination of increased sporting events and the holiday period could create a “perfect storm” for gambling harms.
Dr Gaskell explained:
“People may receive extra money as gifts or bonuses during the holiday period, or find that money is short, and could be tempted to place a bet, and end up betting more than they intended.
“With the barrage of adverts promoting festive fixtures, races, and offers, such as free Christmas bets, it can make it look enticing, but these tend to encourage people to bet at high frequency.
“I have seen first-hand at my clinic how the festive period can lead to additional gambling harms. If you’re worried about how gambling is affecting you, I urge you to please come forward to our clinics by self-referring or speak to your GP practice.”
NHS: Addiction Firms Must Do More
Claire Murdoch, NHS national director for mental health, highlighted the growing strain gambling addiction places on the health service and urged gambling firms to take more responsibility. She said:
“Addiction is a cruel disease that can take over and ruin lives. NHS England has almost doubled the number of specialist clinics available in the space of a year, so if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, please come forward.
“The NHS cannot be left alone to pick up the ills caused by firms engaging in activities that fuel addiction – these companies should think hard about the potential harms to people behind their profits.”
The Scale of the Problem
According to the Gambling Commission, around 138,000 people in England could be classified as problem gamblers, while 1.3 million more are considered at moderate or low risk. Startlingly, more than a quarter (27%) of 11- to 17-year-olds reported gambling with their own money in the past year.
Since 2019, NHS England has opened 15 gambling addiction clinics, seven of which launched in the past year to meet the growing demand. These teams, made up of psychologists, therapists, mental health nurses, and people who have recovered from gambling addiction, are on the front line of tackling the issue.
A Call for Action
The surge in demand for services underscores the urgent need for action to address gambling harms. With the NHS stepping up its efforts, experts are calling on gambling companies to take greater accountability for the impact of their practices.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through NHS gambling clinics or by speaking to your GP. The message is clear: support is there, and recovery is possible.
NHS gambling treatment clinics
You can go to a specialist gambling treatment clinic in England. They have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists who can:
- treat you if gambling is causing you problems
- support you with your recovery
- provide therapy for any complex health needs you have related to gambling
- support your family or friends if they need help
You can self-refer to a gambling clinic near you. Or you can ask a GP for information on services in your area.
Find out more about what’s offered and how to self-refer at:
- NHS National Centre for Behavioural Addictions and the National Problem Gambling Clinic
- NHS Northern Gambling Service website
- NHS Southern Gambling Service website
- NHS West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic (WMGHC) website
- NHS East Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic website
- NHS East of England Gambling Service website
- NHS South West Gambling Service website
Charities and support services
There are also charities and support groups that offer free, confidential support to people who are gambling, and their friends and family.
- The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) – call 0808 8020 133 for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free information, support and counselling
- GambleAware – the National Gambling Support Network service
- Primary Care Gambling Service – a national service providing support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms
- GamLearn – the Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network service
- Gamblers Anonymous – a local support group service that uses the 12-step approach to recovery
- Citizens Advice Bureau – a charity that can advise you on a range of issues, including finances and gambling
- ChapterOne – a charity that can provide advice and support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms
Source: NHS / Public Health England
