About Gambling Harms
Gambling harms manifest across multiple interconnected dimensions, impacting various facets of an individual's life and their social environment:
Financial Harm: This is often the most immediate and recognised consequence, including credit card debt, reduced spending on essential needs, significant personal debt (with an average loss of approximately £20,000 leading to debt for individuals), inability to pay bills, mounting loans, mortgage defaults, and even the loss of one's home. According to National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) reported in 2023 that around 70–80% of problem gamblers presenting for treatment have some level of debt. and that the median personal debt for those seeking help was approximately £20,000.
Emotional/Psychological Harm: The emotional toll is profound, characterised by feelings of regret, worthlessness, failure, intense stress, chronic anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. The relentless cycle of winning, losing, and chasing losses significantly deteriorates mental well-being.
Relationship Harm: Gambling addiction severely strains and often destroys relationships. This includes increased conflict within families, neglect of responsibilities, erosion of trust due to deceit and find dishonesty, frequent arguments, and in severe cases, family violence, isolation, separation, and divorce. Crucially, family members—partners, children, and parents—are direct recipients of these harms, experiencing their own emotional and financial distress.
Work/Study Harm: Performance in professional or academic settings is often compromised. This manifests as reduced productivity due to tiredness, absenteeism, difficulty concentrating, preoccupation with gambling or financial worries, leading to disciplinary actions, job loss, or significant academic setbacks.
Physical Health Harm: The chronic stress and emotional distress associated with gambling can manifest in physical symptoms, including disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia), stress-related ailments (headaches, back and neck pain, stomach upset), elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Legal Harm: Individuals may resort to income-generating crimes such as theft and fraud to fund their gambling habits or cover mounting losses. Problem and pathological gamblers are statistically 3 to 4 times more likely to be arrested and/or spend time in jail as a result of such crimes. Furthermore, gambling venues are frequently exploited for money laundering activities, linking gambling to broader illicit financial networks.
