Gambling is a lot of fun, but it can be associated with potential risks for some. The UK’s safer gambling legislation aims to curb these risks through information sharing and protective measures, including various tools and actions that land-based and online gambling providers and players can implement.
We know that certain people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction. Generally, players will suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. But remember, anyone who gambles can develop a problem.
These are some signs that you or someone you care about might have a gambling problem: Thinking about gambling all the time, Cravings or withdrawal symptoms, losing control and betting way above your affordability, compulsive gambling, chasing your losses, having problems at work, or with friends, and family due to failure in fulfilling your responsibilities, and borrowing or stealing money.
If you recognise these signs, you can get help:
Step 1: Contact the specific gambling providers the player gambles at to raise your concerns. Accredited betting companies will take your concerns seriously. Players can also self-exclude, preventing them from visiting casinos, bookmakers, gambling websites, and betting apps.
Step 2: Use website blockers and place gambling restrictions on all of your bank accounts.
Step 3: The National Gambling Treatment Service’s network of organisations provides 24/7, free, confidential advice and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems and those impacted by someone else’s gambling.